After years of student complaints regarding the sexism implied in the Los Altos High School dress code, the Associated Student Body (ASB) has started brainstorming a dress code revision plan.

Prior to COVID closure, a student group headed by current senior Ryan Jones had proposed changes for the restrictions on female attire and the consequences for breaking the dress code. Now, over a year later, ASB is reviewing said suggestions to propose to the administration.

According to ASB, the ultimate goal of a dress code is to promote a quality learning environment by prohibiting attire that distracts from the educational goals of the school; this includes clothing that is offensive, distracting or presents any kind of health or safety hazard to students and faculty. 

But frequent complaints suggest that the current dress code disproportionately affects female students, and assumes female attire to be inherently distracting. Thus, ASB’s goal is to revise the dress code to be more reasonable, inclusive and generally appropriate.

Once it has been officially approved, the plan is to submit the new protocol for printing in early June. ASB is looking into current regulations regarding undergarment and midriff exposure, as well as the penalties for breaking the dress code — the third and final offense penalty currently results in suspension, but this measure has been ruled unnecessary.

“[The proposal] allows students to more freely express themselves through their attire and not be unfairly restricted by dress code regulations that can vary in how they are enforced,” ASB President Jess Dooley said.

Although ASB has just begun their brainstorming process, Vice Principal Suzanne Woolfolk is in agreement with the changes being proposed. The next steps, according to Woolfolk, are up to the administrative level for review and approval.