Discipline or Double Standards? Lawrence County Weighs in on School Dress Codes
The conversation around school dress codes is nothing new, but it’s once again taken center stage in Lawrence County as the community weighs in on whether current policies teach discipline or simply limit self-expression—and whether they’re even enforced fairly at all.
It all began with a question: Do school dress codes encourage discipline, or do they just restrict students from being themselves? From there, the comments rolled in—dozens of voices, stories, and frustrations.
Favoritism and Inconsistency
One of the most common concerns raised was inconsistent enforcement. Parents and former students shared personal stories of being dress coded for minor infractions, while others—often athletes or cheerleaders—were allowed to wear far more revealing outfits without consequence.
Ashley Hansen recounted her daughter being reprimanded for a ripped pair of jeans and a mostly-covered T-shirt, while “other kids are wearing practically nothing and no one says a word.” Whitney Cross echoed this from a nearby county, describing a volleyball player's uniform that revealed “a butt cheek,” which was even posted publicly by the school.
Gender and Body Type Bias
Several commenters pointed out how dress codes often impact girls more than boys—and sometimes unfairly so. Jessika Rose called it “sexist,” describing how curvier girls get called out for wearing the same clothes as their peers. Others noted that boys wear sagging shorts or muscle-cut tanks without issue.
The Case for Uniforms
Some voices, like Ginger Layman Davis and Terri Alexander, supported the idea of uniforms altogether—citing affordability, equality, and fewer distractions as key benefits. “Three or four sets of khakis and polos, and you're done,” Davis wrote. “No pressure to keep up with trends.”
Safety and Structure
A handful of others emphasized the practical side of dress codes. Delaina Greene and Pam Crumpton brought up safety concerns in career tech environments, where torn jeans could be a hazard. JROTC instructor Jason Douglas Greene supported dress codes for instilling pride and discipline: “When enforced correctly, they help create a positive learning environment.”
Students’ Voices
Even students chimed in. Isaac Gonzalez admitted that while some rules make sense—like skirt lengths and no crop tops—others feel pointless, like the ban on hats. Delaina Greene replied, explaining that headwear can be linked to old-school etiquette, concealment issues, and even gang identifiers.
A Call for Fairness
Nearly every comment circled back to the same point: if there’s going to be a dress code, it should apply to everyone equally. As Heather Johnson put it, “I witnessed multiple children not in dress code daily, and nothing was said because of who they were. That’s no surprise in Lawrence County.”
Whether for uniforms, updated policies, or more consistent enforcement, one thing is clear: the community cares deeply about its students. The overwhelming response shows a shared desire to create a school environment that’s fair, respectful, and supportive for everyone. With continued conversation and open minds, there’s hope for finding common ground—and maybe even a better path forward for the next generation.
