We knew that as the weather improved, we were once again going to be

faced with an increasing amount of dress code issues and in an attempt to

head this off, the Administrators spoke at our recent grade level meetings
about our expectations. Recently we have become aware of an effort to
organize a protest of some kind later this week that would include girls
wearing overly revealing clothes. To attempt to head this off and/or make
our position clear, I spoke with the Student Senate today, took input and
answered questions related to this issue. I also wanted to make it clear to
our entire community about our justifications, our expectations and the
steps we will continue to take when issues arise.

As School Leaders, we have a responsibility for two important principles
that impact student dress. The first is that we need to prepare students by
creating a semi-professional atmosphere where staff and students are held
to a reasonable standard of appearance. This responsibility extends into
other areas of life and job skills as well, but appearance is clearly an
important aspect of how you are seen in society and we have a role in
preparing students for this. The second principle is the reality that clothing
can be disruptive to the learning environment and we need to take steps to
preserve it as sacred, as often as possible. This includes
advertising/branding of alcohol or other drugs, explicit language, revealing
clothing and more.

Definition: The Student Handbook that all students and families were given
at the beginning of the school year includes the following language:

"DRESS AND APPEARANCE must not present health and safety problems or
cause disruption. Some type of footwear must be worn. Any headwear in
the classroom will be worn only with teacher approval. Short shorts and
gym shorts are unacceptable attire. Revealing or disruptive clothing (flags,
low rider pants, gang related insignia, marijuana leaf and/or any clothing
that depicts or condones alcohol, illegal drugs or that states or implies an
obscenity may not be worn at Ballard High School. Students will be required
to change such clothing or be sent home."

We have been enforcing this policy throughout the year with both males
and females. At our recent class meetings, we felt like we owed students a
more specific definition of "revealing or disruptive clothing" and have
defined it as:
1. Shorts/Skirts must reach the mid-thigh/be finger tip length,
2. Up to 2" of midriff is allowed and
3. The chest cannot be overly revealing.
This list is not exhaustive, but it includes the majority of the issues that we
face when the sun comes out.

Consequences: At any point if a student is found to be in violation of any of
these prohibited aspects of dress and appearance, an Administrator will
speak with them privately to tell them what is inappropriate, ask if the
student has clothing to cover the inappropriate clothing (if the issue is on a
shirt, it can be turned inside out) and will keep it concealed at school. If
they do not, we will offer used clothing to deal with it and if they still will
not alleviate the offending item, they will be sent home and parent contact
will be made. The student will be able to return once they have appropriate
clothing. Further discipline for multiple offenses or Disobedience (D-130)
could potentially result in further consequences, but we hope that it does
not come to that.

I have heard concerns from some students that this standard is furthering
"rape culture" by penalizing young women for the thoughts of young men,
but I thoroughly disagree with this interpretation. Being distracted from
learning is an involuntary process that students cannot fully stop on their
own, where as students are FULLY responsible for their actions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Keven Wynkoop
Principal, Ballard High School