In general, the dress code that Starr’s Mill enforces is not too extreme. There are reasonable standards such as the four-finger test for shirts, and the below-the-fingertips test for shorts and skirts. However, the administration should become more flexible with the dress code during homecoming week. 

The main problem that most students, including me, have is with the hats and sunglasses rule. The Fayette County Board of Education dress code states that “Sunglasses may not be worn inside the buildings. Hats, caps, visors or hoods may not be worn inside the building.” This, I can agree with. 

School is not a place for a fashion show. However, during weeks such as homecoming week, the rules should be a little more relaxed. This year, homecoming dress-up days included Decades Day, Tacky Tourist Day, Generations Day, Character Day, and Spirit/Toga Day. Almost all of these days required a hat, accessory, or even glasses to put together a fun costume.

Principal Allen Leonard addressed the entire school Tuesday morning, stating that no hats or sunglasses could be worn in the building or carried in the hallways. Tuesday was Tacky Tourist Day, a day that needed both. The administration should have loosened up and had some fun. 

What classifies as a hat? For example, does a tiara count as a hat, or a headband? Nowhere in the dress code does it say that headbands are not allowed. Even so, anything could be classified as a hat. Merriam-Webster classifies hats as a head covering with a definite crown and brim. Therefore, a tiara is not a hat. But it covers the head and has a definite crown. And what about an actual headband?

Even Rising Starr Middle school has a day designated for hats. If the administrators will not let students and even teachers wear hats as a part of a costume, then they should at least create a hat day. Even if they do not, they should still let students carry their hats in the halls to show their friends. 

I understand that sunglasses are a potential safety hazard, but so are many other things such as untied shoe laces and heels. Also, dangling necklaces and bracelets can be a hazard on school buses and in classrooms. If the administrators are going to panic about accessories being a safety hazard, then they should panic about everything or panic about nothing.

If the administration insists on no hats, they could create a “Hat Day” specifically so students can wear hats, clarify the rules on size or type, or at least allow students to carry them in hallways during homecoming dress up days.