Inside: More and more schools are enforcing dress codes for parents, but is it necessary?
Imagine going to your child’s school to pick up your child, only to be turned away…because YOU are breaking the dress code.
School dress codes are common for students, but there is a new trend of schools creating dress codes for parents too, including a high school in my area.
No More Pajamas Pants
Parents at James Madison High School in Houston, Texas will no longer be allowed on campus if they’re wearing one of the now-banned clothing items.
In a written statement, Principal Carlotta Brown explained that the school wants to ensure that students learn the “appropriate attire they are supposed to wear when entering a building, going somewhere, applying for a job, or visiting someone outside of a home setting.”
Below are the types of clothing that will not be permitted on the James Madison High School campus:
- Shower caps or satin hats
- Hair rollers
- Pajamas and house shoes
- Jeans that are excessively torn
- Figure-hugging leggings
- Low-cut tops
- Sagging pants
- Men wearing undershirts only
- Short shorts (aka “Daisy Dukes”)
- Short dresses or skirts
As expected, reaction to the new parent dress code is mixed. Some called the measure “crazy,” while others applauded it as “long overdue.”
James Madison High School is not the first to take this type of action. Similar dress codes have also been proposed in schools in Florida and Tennessee.
It seems to be a growing trend — but is it necessary?
Why Schools Are Moving Towards Dress Codes for Parents
To put it simply, if the clothing that parents wear wasn’t causing any issues, there probably wouldn’t be any need for a dress code.
The fact that multiple schools and districts throughout the country are looking into dress codes for parents shows that there is a trend of wearing clothes that administrators feel is inappropriate.
Tennessee lawmaker Antonio Parkinson sponsored the parental dress code bill in that state, though the measure did not pass. Parkinson explains why he feels so strongly, saying: “What could be a higher priority than bringing your child to school? You wouldn’t go to a date like that.”
But is it the school’s business what parents wear?
Not gonna lie…there are definitely times where either my husband or I have been in a hurry and dropped off our daughters to school wearing sweatpants.
However, under many of the active or proposed parent dress codes, that would likely be a no-no.
Proponents of dress codes for parents say that they set a positive example for students. They question: how are students going to learn professional dress if their parents are schlepping around in pajamas?
I’m totally on board with making sure that everyone on school campus is decently covered. You won’t see me complaining if booty shorts or crop tops are outlawed for parents.
However, I’m not going to judge another parent if they drop off or pick up their kids wearing yoga pants or sweatpants. That’s what I wear to clean my house, exercise, or even run errands and sometimes there’s not time to change if I want to pick our girls up on time.
So sweatpants it is! Punctuality is important too, after all!
What Do YOU Think About Dress Codes for Parents?
The subject of dress codes for parents definitely gets the conversation started, with a lot of good points on both sides.
I’d love to hear what you think! Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments below – just be sure to keep the discussion respectful.
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Kylee says
Omg, while I don’t show up to pick up in pajamas, I sure don’t need the extra pressure of worrying about my clothing!
Drop off, I am dressed and appropriately covered. If they come up with hair or makeup requirements, I’m hosed!!!
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Oh my gosh…I almost never wear makeup LOL – that would be TOO far for me!
Ingrid says
I think it is only appropriate that parents follow the same dress code as their children while on the school property. I still remember
fifty years ago when I was in elementary school, a mother brought her children to school wearing only her slip. Well, the car broke down right there at the unloading dock. That was before cell phones, and here came the undressed mother into school for help. I never forgot it, and I’m sure neither the mom nor her children have either. As a part time private school nurse with a quite strict dress code, I do realize that it is not always convenient , but I follow their dress code out of respect,
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Definitely a good point! There are days I wear sweatpants to the drop-off line, but I always keep in mind what would happen if I broke down – for that very reason! In the days before cell phones, my parents always told me to dress appropriately in case you had to walk somewhere for help. We lived somewhere where it got cold in winter, so mainly it meant wearing good shoes and having a coat handy.
Amanda says
I don’t see why what I wear should matter what I wear as long as you are appropriately covered.. I can understand the short shorts and inappropriate shirts.. Just make sure you are covered.