It is still the beginning of a new school year at Birmingham Community Charter High School, but each year, the BCCHS Dress Code sparks controversy and debate among the students. In addressing this topic, BCCHS Principal Ari Bennett said, “A compelling point was made to me from some parents that they wanted to set a standard for their kids, and we were not enforcing a dress code, which made it harder for them to parent.” 

The staff and teachers at Birmingham have been instructed to keep students in check about what they wear, but the students who seem to be most affected by this are the girls. 

My experience with the dress code over the past three years does seem to indicate that the girls are unfairly targeted. The current dress code is constantly being updated, and in 2025, the dress code states that students cannot wear sheer tops, no exposed undergarments, no strapless, deep v-neck, deep scoop-neck, no off-the-shoulder tops, top must cover the chest. Bottoms must cover the legs from the tips of your fingers when your arms are down, and pants can’t be lower than the waist. All clothing and accessories must not include any references to illegal substances, violence, or nudity. As for hats, only college, Birmingham, plain hats, and beanies can be worn. Right off the bat, most of the things in the dress code seem to be targeted towards girls because it seems more common for girls to wear these things. 

Although the boys do have some dress code rules that may be specifically towards them, such as wearing graphic t-shirts and pants being lower than the waist, the boys don’t seem to be stopped as often as the girls are. Angela Piliposian, the 12th-grade dean at BCCHS, disagreed and stated, “I don’t think so. I think boys get away with a lot more sagging. However, that’s the only thing we have for boys that is a consistent issue.” Most of the boys at school are seen walking around with their pants below their waist, but are rarely seen being told to pull them up.

Because of the dress code, there have been many disagreements. Although there are years when not many students have an issue when it comes to the dress code, I think schools should be a little more lenient with the dress code.

There can be things that shouldn’t be allowed at school because, after all, students are representing the school, and most of the students are under age 18. Students and school districts should be able to value student opinions and settle on a middle ground where both students and school staff can be comfortable.