PHOTO BY TAMARAH WALLACE.
BY TAMARAH WALLACE
In the 2016 social and political climate, controversial views are clearly expressed and forthright, forming a platform for worldwide debate. Consequently, Cooper City High School students don’t just state their stance on a topic – they also depict it on their clothing.
Therefore, clothing that is deemed offensive by students and faculty pose a critical question- whether or not their “sense of self-expression” should be quelled.
Wendy Schauben, who has seen her fair share of disputatious situations as Cooper’s Speech and Debate coach, had much to say about the issue.
“Everyone is entitled to their own views and they need to be able to express them in an environment that is safe and educated,” Schauben said.
In regards to the procedure for handling controversial shirts, administration offered to shed some light.
“Students whose clothing is deemed offensive will be subject to the dress code violation rules outlined in the student codebook,” Assistant Principal Vera Perkovic said.
Evidently, the school board has enacted rules regarding clothing and what is acceptable by law.
As per the 2016-2017 code of conduct, “clothing… or other items or markings which are suggestive, revealing, or indecent, associated with gangs or cults, encourage the use of drugs, alcohol, or violence, or support discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression” are strictly prohibited. They go on to clarify that “suggestive, revealing and indecent refer to exposure of private body parts and/or pictures or words with a sexual connotation.”
If there is any doubt about whether the shirt is considered offensive, specific measures will be taken.
“The county board will take each disturbance on a case by case basis and will then make their evaluations about whether the shirt abides by the rules,” U.S. History Teacher and National Honor Society sponsor Dwayne Dixon, said.
So while most social issues are banned from clothing, political views are seemingly not, meaning that with the infamous 2016 election looming near, students are free to wear the logos and slogans of the campaign they support. However, the question of education, safety, and offense are eminent.
“Our job as educators is to prepare for the future because in the workplace, students will need to dress appropriately,” Assistant Principal Perkovic said. “There is a time and a place for everything and we really need to show respect to our school and express Cowboy Pride.”
With that, CCHS administration and teachers aim to put education and the betterment of the student before all.
“We can’t grow if we are causing conflict,” Schauben said. “People should be allowed to express themselves but education should always come first.”
Students also seem to reflect those same views of education, safety, and tolerance.
“I think… [controversial shirts] are something to welcome because it opens up conversation about what is going on in the world presently and people will learn how to tolerate other’s views,” Senior Kia Del Solar said.
Another student shared her opinions, highlighting the value of impartiality and respect.
“We go to school to learn, not create possible issues for the school, others, and ourselves and the wearers are choosing to wear the shirt at their own discretion,” Junior Challet Jeong said. “Whether I like what the shirt depicts or says or not, it’s a method of self-expression that everyone should respect, regardless of your own beliefs. It’s normal to feel offended, but everyone should be given the respect to express what they think and believe.”
