If you believe the students of Round Rock High School should be able to wear Nike or athletic shorts to school because of unalterable heat and weather patterns, please sign your name.

(See letter below)

Dear Mrs. Nichols and the RRHS Administration,

My past three years have been a blessing to me for the most part. It’s been full of fun and learning to prepare myself for the future. However, today was a different day. I have to respectfully say that I don’t agree with the actions taken by Round Rock High School today.

Mr. Scott’s voice came over the intercom today to announce a mandatory dress code “sweep.” Young men and women were asked to stand up and put their finger tips by their sides or on their shoulders to make sure they were in dress code due to their outfits being “distractive” or “disruptive” to the learning environment. Many young women were sentenced to detentions for showing their shoulder blades or mid thighs. Understandably, some students found this humiliating. The goal of the Dress Code is to stop distractions, which students can agree with. However, interrupting class instruction for a dress code “sweep” is far more distracting than the articles of clothing be examined themselves.

Opinions expressed by almost all of the student body and some teachers demonstrate this isn’t necessary. A shoulder blade or mid thigh isn’t “disruptive” or “distracting” to the learning environment. We are at an age where this isn’t a problem at all and we know how to handle ourselves appropriately. Texas heat is oppressive, and forcing students to wear long shorts or jeans seems highly unnecessary. Obtaining long shorts for girls is very difficult as throughout the 21st century, shorts have gotten shorter for both sexes!

Lastly, some components of this dress code may infringe on the rights of us students. As Principals.org put it best, “Expanding upon this legal principle, it is important to note that mere dislike or offense is not sufficient grounds to restrict speech or expression, including student dress. All such restrictions must stem from something greater than personal preference or taste. This means that to be lawfully regulated, the attire or garb must truly be a substantial or material interruption, infringe upon the legitimate rights or safety of others, or be contrary to the school’s educational mission.” In general, Nike athletic shorts or most tank tops are not infringing upon the rights and safety of others or contrary to Round Rock High School’s mission statement. (https://rrhs.roundrockisd.org/about/ )

Round Rock High School is an amazing place to call home. It has opened our minds and encouraged us to stand up for what’s right. Today, we believe as students that we are doing what we are taught and standing up for that. All students understand why dress code is in place and we do believe it is necessary in our schools, but not to this degree. We are asking for change and to be legitimately heard.

Thank you for your time and Go Rock!

RRHS Students.