Starting in August when the new school year begins, Spanish River Community High School will begin enforcing a new school dress code. Students violating the dress code policy will be required to change clothes. Students with continuous or flagrant violations of the dress policy are subject to detentions or suspension. The dress code is as follows:

• No visible underwear on either boys or girls at any time or the lack of it.
• Head covers are out- includes any form of hat, scarf, do rags, stocking, bandanas or towels.
• Girls may not wear low exposing tops or shirts exposing any cleavage or midriffs. Midriffs must fall below the waistline rather than just meeting the top of the garment.
• Students must not wear tube or strapless, halter, spaghetti straps or any tank tops. Carrying a sweater on top or wearing a jacket over it is not adequate.
• Tops must be high enough to eliminate any exposure of cleavage and long enough to prevent any exposure of midriff.
• Many students know what they are wearing is inappropriate. If we see parts of the body exposed as a result of midriff tops or low cut tops, students will be required to change.
• Girls must wear shirts that have sleeves. If they choose to wear a sleeveless shirt when the weather is warm, the shirt must have a collar.
• Short shorts and short skirts have no place in school. They must be just above the knee.

This new dress code represents a significant departure from existing policies. Female students can only wear sleeveless shirts if they have a collar and tank tops are prohibited. I support our educators and believe that a dress code is warranted. The sleeveless shirt policy, however, is possibly sexist, rather strict given South Florida's hot weather, and one that will surely be controversial when school returns.

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