Following Headmaster Peter Quinn’s all-school address and the influx in faculty enforcement, the dress code has become a rather pertinent issue. While some Peddie students will continue to defy the dress code policy, regardless of faculty persistence, its purpose is quite clear and is in the best interest of students.

As one of the most prestigious college preparatory schools in the nation, Peddie has a standard it must uphold – this must be evident in the attire of Peddie students. Although the form-fitting elasticity of leggings and the breathability of a t-shirt are comfortable, their appearances do not fit the standards a Peddie student should meet.

Furthermore, when comparing Peddie’s dress code with those of other East Coast boarding schools, our stance is rather lax. The Hill School, located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, adheres to a dress code which “requires boys to wear a coat and tie and girls to wear a blazer and appropriate collared Oxford shirt.” In addition, Hill requires academic dress to be worn “throughout the academic day whenever students are in an academic or public area, Chapel services, sit-down meals, required evening performances, or any other designated occasion.” Peddie’s administration of collared shirts, khakis, and dress pants for males and blouses, skirts or dress pants for females is significantly more lenient and provides room for “experimentation” by students.

However, the question remains: Is the dress code policy as paramount of an issue as faculty have created? Honestly, no. With the stress endured by Peddie students on a daily basis, this “issue” deserves no more than a fleeting moment of thought. While some kids may be able to roam the halls of Annenberg sporting leggings and t-shirts as apathetic faculty members walk by, others are not as lucky. I suggest that if you want to avoid a bothersome encounter with pickier teachers, conform to the dress code policy or duck your head, bolt to the staircase, and walk the other way.