Clothing
and Arrows: The LaSallian Dress Code
Every
school’s goal is to instill their core values to their students. One of the symbolisms
of these values is shown in an everyday protocol among educational institutions
called dress code. A dress code, as defined by Merriam-Webbster, is a formally
or socially imposed standard of dressing. In De La Salle University – Manila,
the dress code is implemented as a to sustain the educational character of the
University and the sensibility of other members of the academic community.
(Section 4.2, DLSU Student Handbook) The LaSallian dress code has, for the past
few years, been a debatable topic among the LaSallian community as many have
criticized its protocols and provisions. Its implementation is often described
as unfair or unjust for most students. But before giving judgments on the dress
code policy of the University, students must first know it to a greater extent.
The LaSallian dress code is just and does not limit the students’ right for
self-expression. It recognizes the students’ rights to come to school dressed
according to their own individual taste.
The purpose of the LaSallian dress code is to uphold the social norms that observe the values of politeness, etiquette and courtesy for LaSallian community members, guests of the campus and integrity of self at all times. (Sec. 4: Social Norms, DLSU Student Handbook) As a practice for acquiring values such as self-respect and decency, the dress code was made for the students.
The dress code is found on Appendix Z of the DLSU graduate.undergraduate Student Handbook 2012/2015. The dress code falls under Section 4 in the Social Norms of the university, whereas, the students are to follow standard classroom policies and procedures. The dress code states that appropriate attire should be observed. Students are permitted to dress according to their individual taste with modesty and decency in mind. But wearing of specific clothing such as tube tops, camisoles, sandos, backless tops that expose the back below the bustline, cleavage-bearing tops, see through tops or bottoms where undergarments can be seen, and all tops that exposes midsection while walking or standing are prohibited. Shorts, skirts and dresses are subject to measurement whereas the hemline should not be above the tip of the student’s finger plus one inch while standing in an upright position. (Section 4.2, DLSU Student Handbook)
Sportswears, including P.E. uniforms, are not allowed inside auditorium and theaters. As a sign of respect, hats, bonnets and caps should not be worn inside the classroom. Extreme hair colors like red, pink, blue or neon is not allowed. Slippers are also not allowed unless there is a back strap or at least a one-inch heel. Clothing with statements contrary to the Catholic mission of the university is strictly prohibited and exceptions are given to students when required by faculty for a particular class or session only.
It is, with no doubt, that the LaSallian dress code had covered almost all questions regarding the appropriate and acceptable attire when in campus. But some students find the dress code unfair in various ways. For most girls, problems regarding the length from hemline of their short, skirt or dress to the tip of their middle finger plus one inch continues to spur among the university. Most females state that some girls just have much longer arms than other girls. On the other hand, the confusion whether boys are allowed to wear shorts is not mentioned, as to the fact that the hemline protocol is most applicable to female students. And, the explanation as to why slippers are prohibited in campus, even on rainy days, remains unclear. Most students also perceive the dress code as a limit to their freedom of expression and individuality.
Apart from the security guards in DLSU entrances, the Student Discipline Formation Officers are tasked to guide the students to observe the LaSallian dress code at all time. Most often, the students question the guards and D.O.’s of being unfair when it comes to the implementation of the dress code as to the fact that some students are being considered. On the other hand, changes in the dress code are being demanded by many students. Some of these changes include having a specific length from shorts, skirt, and dress hemline to approved dress length. Another change being demanded today is the allowed use of slippers at school especially during flood season. Many students also question the importance of the dress code. Students discuss the matter whether the dress code is still needed or not.
But, of course, the dress code is needed.
The dress code is not only for the sole purpose of sustaining the moral character of the LaSallian community, but it also assures the safety of the students in and out of the campus. Commonly, the way of dressing for most girls attracts the attention of molesters in public places like trains and buses. Therefore, the dress code helps a student be safe both inside and outside of campus when appropriately dressed as it is implemented. De La Salle University – Manila, by its name itself, is expected to be a role model to Catholic societies throughout the Philippines. The values of discipline and decency must always be preserved as it is only two of the semi-core values of university.
Although most students have negative perceptions towards the dress code, some students find it fair and essential. Fair in terms that the dress code still gives students their freedom of expression through their clothing with only very few limitations. It is essential in the sense that it is a contribution to the formation of the student’s character, especially in discipline. The dress code, outside of the university, actually promotes a positive outlook of the LaSallian community in society. But just because people dress well, doesn’t mean they do well. At some point though, having proper attire can reflect on the decency of a community’s character.
Like other policies, the dress code is not perfect. There are still some rules which need further explaining. And it should remain open to changes that would help improve it. As trends change, what is perceived as decent for society may also change. Today, the LaSallian dress code is fair to the students. It allows the students their right to express themselves and helps in the formation of their moral values as individuals.
The purpose of the LaSallian dress code is to uphold the social norms that observe the values of politeness, etiquette and courtesy for LaSallian community members, guests of the campus and integrity of self at all times. (Sec. 4: Social Norms, DLSU Student Handbook) As a practice for acquiring values such as self-respect and decency, the dress code was made for the students.
The dress code is found on Appendix Z of the DLSU graduate.undergraduate Student Handbook 2012/2015. The dress code falls under Section 4 in the Social Norms of the university, whereas, the students are to follow standard classroom policies and procedures. The dress code states that appropriate attire should be observed. Students are permitted to dress according to their individual taste with modesty and decency in mind. But wearing of specific clothing such as tube tops, camisoles, sandos, backless tops that expose the back below the bustline, cleavage-bearing tops, see through tops or bottoms where undergarments can be seen, and all tops that exposes midsection while walking or standing are prohibited. Shorts, skirts and dresses are subject to measurement whereas the hemline should not be above the tip of the student’s finger plus one inch while standing in an upright position. (Section 4.2, DLSU Student Handbook)
Sportswears, including P.E. uniforms, are not allowed inside auditorium and theaters. As a sign of respect, hats, bonnets and caps should not be worn inside the classroom. Extreme hair colors like red, pink, blue or neon is not allowed. Slippers are also not allowed unless there is a back strap or at least a one-inch heel. Clothing with statements contrary to the Catholic mission of the university is strictly prohibited and exceptions are given to students when required by faculty for a particular class or session only.
It is, with no doubt, that the LaSallian dress code had covered almost all questions regarding the appropriate and acceptable attire when in campus. But some students find the dress code unfair in various ways. For most girls, problems regarding the length from hemline of their short, skirt or dress to the tip of their middle finger plus one inch continues to spur among the university. Most females state that some girls just have much longer arms than other girls. On the other hand, the confusion whether boys are allowed to wear shorts is not mentioned, as to the fact that the hemline protocol is most applicable to female students. And, the explanation as to why slippers are prohibited in campus, even on rainy days, remains unclear. Most students also perceive the dress code as a limit to their freedom of expression and individuality.
Apart from the security guards in DLSU entrances, the Student Discipline Formation Officers are tasked to guide the students to observe the LaSallian dress code at all time. Most often, the students question the guards and D.O.’s of being unfair when it comes to the implementation of the dress code as to the fact that some students are being considered. On the other hand, changes in the dress code are being demanded by many students. Some of these changes include having a specific length from shorts, skirt, and dress hemline to approved dress length. Another change being demanded today is the allowed use of slippers at school especially during flood season. Many students also question the importance of the dress code. Students discuss the matter whether the dress code is still needed or not.
But, of course, the dress code is needed.
The dress code is not only for the sole purpose of sustaining the moral character of the LaSallian community, but it also assures the safety of the students in and out of the campus. Commonly, the way of dressing for most girls attracts the attention of molesters in public places like trains and buses. Therefore, the dress code helps a student be safe both inside and outside of campus when appropriately dressed as it is implemented. De La Salle University – Manila, by its name itself, is expected to be a role model to Catholic societies throughout the Philippines. The values of discipline and decency must always be preserved as it is only two of the semi-core values of university.
Although most students have negative perceptions towards the dress code, some students find it fair and essential. Fair in terms that the dress code still gives students their freedom of expression through their clothing with only very few limitations. It is essential in the sense that it is a contribution to the formation of the student’s character, especially in discipline. The dress code, outside of the university, actually promotes a positive outlook of the LaSallian community in society. But just because people dress well, doesn’t mean they do well. At some point though, having proper attire can reflect on the decency of a community’s character.
Like other policies, the dress code is not perfect. There are still some rules which need further explaining. And it should remain open to changes that would help improve it. As trends change, what is perceived as decent for society may also change. Today, the LaSallian dress code is fair to the students. It allows the students their right to express themselves and helps in the formation of their moral values as individuals.
References
Dlsufroshtips.tumblr.com (2011) DLSU Frosh Tips, USG Statement on the Dress Code.
[online] Available at:
http://dlsufroshtips.tumblr.com/post/13130856483/usg-statement-on-the-dress-
code#axzz22vEZ5Oi8
Dlsufroshtips.tumblr.com (2011) DLSU Frosh Tips, USG Statement on the Dress Code.
[online] Available at:
http://dlsufroshtips.tumblr.com/post/13130856483/usg-statement-on-the-dress-
code#axzz22vEZ5Oi8
Thelasallian.com (2010) The
dress code matters | The LaSallian. [online] Available at:
http://thelasallian.com/2010/11/21/the-dress-code-matters/
http://thelasallian.com/2010/11/21/the-dress-code-matters/
Twitpic.com (n.d.) Be
informed, Lasallians! The new dress code policy of DLSU-M. on
Twitpic. [online] Available at: http://twitpic.com/8e6gr1
Twitpic. [online] Available at: http://twitpic.com/8e6gr1
Unknown. (2012) [online]
Available at:
http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/mco/publications/student_handbook/SY0912/AppendixZ.pdf
http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/mco/publications/student_handbook/SY0912/AppendixZ.pdf
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