There are three options I see when it comes to enforcing dress codes in schools:
A. Both men and women enforce the dress code. However, this could lead to students accusing male staff of inappropriate behavior, which is risky and damaging to their reputation.
B. Make the dress code more relaxed. While this may seem like a solution, it sends the wrong message, potentially teaching students that accusing staff unfairly can get them what they want.
C. Female staff enforce the dress code, and male staff take on other responsibilities to balance the workload. This seems like the best solution, as it reduces the risk of false accusations, and if such accusations do happen, they tend to be taken less seriously when they involve female staff. I don’t have a specific suggestion for what tasks male staff should take on in exchange, but this approach could be more flexible depending on the local community’s needs.
We need to address the issue of gender roles in this context, even if it’s uncomfortable. There are certain roles where gender can have a direct impact, and we can’t always afford to wait until something bad happens to react.
I read through your post, but you don’t mention male students and their dress code violations. Did I miss something? Are dress codes only applied to female students in your district?
tony said:
I read through your post, but you don’t mention male students and their dress code violations. Did I miss something? Are dress codes only applied to female students in your district?
I left the teaching profession when COVID started, but I’ve worked in districts where the dress code applies to both male and female students. I’ve also worked in places where the rules aren’t spelled out clearly, but they get enforced regardless by local counselors.
tony said: @Jason
You don’t think female staff would face similar accusations? Also, what about enforcing the dress code with LGBTQ students?
In my experience, female staff are less likely to face such accusations, or when they do, it’s not as damaging. I’m not saying it’s ideal, but it seems like a better alternative than male staff being unfairly smeared.
As for LGBTQ students, I’m not sure why their sexual orientation would make a difference when it comes to enforcing dress codes. The gender of the enforcing staff is more relevant in terms of avoiding unfair accusations, regardless of the student’s orientation.
@Jason
That might work in certain places like China, but I don’t think it would work well here in the U.S. It feels like an overcorrection based on fear rather than a balanced solution.
tony said: @Jason
That might work in certain places like China, but I don’t think it would work well here in the U.S. It feels like an overcorrection based on fear rather than a balanced solution.
Are Chinese students really that different from Canadian or American ones? If this works there, why wouldn’t it here?
tony said: @Jason
Cultural differences play a huge role in how policies like this are received. You should consider that.
So, when in doubt, do we stick with the status quo where male staff risk being accused of inappropriate behavior for enforcing the dress code? Or should we explore ways to reduce those risks while maintaining order?
Hudson said:
Why not just get rid of dress codes altogether, unless someone is exposing themselves indecently?
That would fall under option B—relaxing the dress code. But are you comfortable holding that position knowing who you might be aligning with on the issue?
helon said: @Jason
Why wouldn’t she be? Many people hold that view, and just because you may not like all of them doesn’t mean it’s the wrong choice.
It’s not just about disliking some people. It’s about whether the movement against dress codes is associated with certain harmful behaviors, like students unfairly smearing teachers as pedophiles.
helon said: @Jason
I don’t think that’s a reason to avoid holding the view. Just because some people take it to an extreme doesn’t mean the core idea is wrong.
Fair enough, but doesn’t it concern you that so many people who oppose dress codes resort to those kinds of smears? Doesn’t that reflect poorly on the movement as a whole?