SCHOOL DRESS CODES

School dress codes are a set of dress guidelines, outlining what is and is not considered appropriate for students to wear to school. Those who do not follow the rules can be subjected to a variety of punishments including detentions and missing class time. This study draws from in-depth interviews with thirteen women between the ages of 18 and 30 who reflect on their experiences being punished for dress code violations when they attended K-12 schools. Their experiences differed but there were consistencies over how both gender and race regulated their required dress. Thus, I analyze how social factors contribute to someone being cited for dress code violations, as well as the enduring impact of disciplining young, women of color in schools.