As a senior I can vaguely recall my freshman year. However, the one thing that does stick out in my mind is the strict dress code that was frequently enforced by teachers and administrators alike.

Lately, I see students parading through the hallway fearlessly exposing the full length of every ligament. At the beginning of the year we were informed that tank tops would no longer be allowed, but apparently super short mini skirts, tight revealing shirts, and leggings (which are NOT pants) are perfectly acceptable. The boys waddle down the hallways with their pants expertly maneuvered to stay just below their butt. This is not an accident; their pants haven’t just fallen down. In fact, they are using belts to keep their pants in place tightly around their thighs. Their underwear (note the use of the word “under” as opposed to the word “over”) are exposed to everyone; it’s the definition of too much information. I am disgusted and embarrassed by my peers who seem to think that their less-than-appropriate attire is permissible as school wear.

I love North; I’m deeply involved within most of the clubs and ongoing activities. It mortifies me to think that administrators, board members, or educational officials are walking through these hallways thinking that the students they see wearing these atrocious outfits represent our student body.

The expectation of the students at North has been rapidly decreasing, and the way our students dress just shows how low we have stooped on the moral totem pole.

The truly sad thing is that the students honestly have no idea what they are actually doing to themselves. They have no idea that what they choose to put on in the morning profoundly impacts what their teachers and their peers think of them. Let me remind you that the fashion of boys wearing their pants around their thighs originated with ex-cons. If you dress that way you are coming to school presenting yourself as a prisoner, which will not work to your advantage. Believe me, when you need recommendation letters, you do not want the only thing your teacher remembers to be your risqué clothing choice.

I want to make it clear that teachers are not responsible to choose students’ clothing; primarily parents should be monitoring what their children wear. When all else fails, however, this is a high school where teachers and administrators have the last say on what is and what is not acceptable school apparel.

I would now like to take this opportunity to address possible solutions. With a flood of children coming to school dressing inappropriately, it is improbable that our administration will be able to handle all the cases, as well as perform their other, more important duties. So instead of inciting a riot among parents and blaming them for the bulk of their child’s wardrobe mishaps, we need to target the student body directly.

We have assemblies that cover bullying, environmental studies, and motivational tactics, why not address the dress code. I understand that it is considered a delicate topic, but with such an influx of girls and boys dressed so entirely against the rules, it’s time to reinforce it. I don’t mean that we should have the same administrator that has been handling these cases give a speech on immorality. However, I think an outside source (a teacher of etiquette, perhaps?) would be extremely helpful in reaching a student population that simply does not see what is wrong with their outfits.

If the student response to media stimuli continues in this direction, the Board of Education will not have a choice, and uniforms will be implemented. I personally appreciate the ability to wear my own individual clothing to school, but will not be shocked if Board of Education decides to utilize uniforms in the upcoming years. It’s the most obvious solution. If students can’t make the right choice of what to wear to school, that choice will no longer be theirs to make. Keep in mind the image of a school is critically important, and at this point, khakis and a white polo send a much better message than what is currently happening.

If you have not been in North for awhile, maybe you have no idea what I’m referring to when I say that the attire is inappropriate. I have observed that most of these outfits are put together well and completely appropriate for a Friday night out or a party; I’m not saying that they are coming to school wearing mismatched outfits and ratty clothing. The attire being worn is just not permissible for school. The dress code is meant to protect the school atmosphere. School is not a social event. You are not at a party; you are here to learn and to become prepared for a successful future, which you cannot do while you are obsessively pulling a skirt down or adjusting sagging pants.

Every student in this school is a young adult; it’s time to start acting like it.