MILFORD, Del.- The Milford School District is taking a closer look at its dress code policy due to concerns raised by students and parents about its effectiveness.
The district's dress code policy is comprised of 21 rules which require students to wear solid color polo shirts, khaki pants or jeans and "appropriate shoes" among other requirements.
Some parents, like Melody Mackert, who currently has two kids in Milford School District, have been questioning whether the long list of regulations is really necessary.
"It's causing a lot of friction, tension and anxiety amongst our students who don't need that," she said.
One parent even started a petition about it, which has garnered more than 300 signatures. Another parent suggested the school board collaborate with the community to address the concerns.
"Get the parents and the teachers in a nice little room," said Sydney Cartwright. "Like Aaron Burr said 'be in the room where it happens.'"
This aligns with the approach that the Milford School District plans to take. In a statement, the district stated, "We have listened to the voices of our district-community residents. While there are differing opinions on our policy matters...we are committed to fostering open dialogue."
Mackert thinks there should be some policy but that it should not be staff members' main focus.
"We should be able to have four to five basic expectations for students to come to school dressed appropriately so they can just go there and learn which is supposed to be the main agenda," she noted.
However, in an interview with WBOC before the school year started, one parent, Rose Feddiman, said the dress code makes life easier for her and her kids.
"I have five kids I can't keep up with the certain fashion trends and they were getting picked on," Feddiman explained how once her family moved to Milford, those issues resolved themselves. "Now we are here and they have no problems with what they are wearing or nothing, all I have to worry about is their shoes."
The dress code policy was originally implemented in 2013, in part to combat bullying. The new dress code committee will consist of students, parents and staff members.
Milford School District officials have indicated that, for the time being, the current dress code will remain in effect.
