After the district updated the dress code for the start of the school year, students shared their thoughts in support of the relaxed rules that went into effect on Monday, Aug. 16.

The district made the dress code shorter this year – with it essentially requiring that students wear a top, bottoms and shoes.

“Students must wear clothing, including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent and shoes,” the official dress code says. “Clothing must cover undergarments and all tops, but extend past the waistline — crop tops are not an allowable clothing item on campus.”

Previously, students’ bottoms had to extend past their fingertips, and tank-top straps could not be less than a three-finger width. However, students still cannot wear hats or other headwear in the hallways, cafeteria or other “common areas.”

With this change, students have shared support for the new dress code.

“It’s amazing that I can actually wear shorts now,” junior Madeleine Wentz said. “As someone with ridiculously long arms, this is a blessing. I don’t have to burn to a crisp anymore.”

Rock Hill High School class of 2021 alumni Jesse Plaster liked the new dress code, as well.

“I’m glad to see they relaxed things more, particularly for girls,” Plaster said. “The dress code in PISD has always been harder on girls.”

Others, however, call for more change.

“It’s a good step in the right direction, but it is still not enough,” junior Ana Ortega said. “PISD still needs to work toward making the dress code less aimed at women.”

It is currently not known what prompted the school to make these changes. The former dress code had stayed relatively unchanged for years.

“I personally think this is awesome,” junior Malak Alkadumi said. “This past year a lot of girls – including me – have been creating essays and different projects that are directed toward how strict dress code is. I’m glad our voices have been heard.”

Another change for the new school year was an increase in activities to introduce new students and freshmen to the school — such as the new student pep rally — which came after students offered suggestions based on their experiences. Students have noticed both changes, but some thought the dress-code update to be overdue.

“Finally,” senior Lauren Helbling said. “Let’s stop sexualizing minor girls.”