It’s important to remember why the student code of conduct is put in place. Its purpose is to protect and keep a safe environment for everyone there. By South having these rules in place I think they are aiming for a good atmosphere for the students.
For clothing, it states that students are not allowed to dress or groom in a way that violates the district or building dress code. For a more in depth description students cannot wear clothing with inappropriate language or graphics, I understand how images or phrases that are inappropriate in a school setting could make people uncomfortable so I agree that this is beneficial to the learning environment. On the other hand, I don’t agree with the rule that shirts must cover your back, chest and midsection and must have straps. When students have to be in a place for around eight hours per day, being comfortable in what you wear is important. Self confidence and expression are important and people should be allowed to wear what they want as long as it is not negatively impacting others.
A rule that I do think is important is that harassment or bullying of any kind being strictly permitted. South has firm rules that keep students treating everyone with respect and equality. For fighting and assault, students can face suspension or permanent expulsion. “Any discriminatory behavior or harassment about sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, or disability can face expulsion. Any threatening activity could also result in expulsion.” (Dean 7)
School safety is becoming a bigger issue. Students feeling safe at school, especially in the past few years has become increasingly more difficult. Now that we must put our phones at the front of the classroom or in our bags turned off it is hard to feel secure. I don’t think it is right that the school can take our property for something as simple as communicating with others. I understand that some people may misuse their phones during class time but at the end of the day that’s their decision and when they are sent off into the world how are they supposed to have learned self discipline when we have been taught to just not have our phones at all because that isn’t realistic.
The Grosse Pointe code of conduct holds its students to a high standard so that they can reach their full potential and goals. I think it is important that students can go to school in a welcoming and positive environment. Although some of the rules like the dress code and phone policy don’t seem fair, the policies on bullying and other more serious topics do have the students’ best interests in mind.
