ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 A graduation dress code at Innovation High School is drawing criticism from students who say the rules place stricter and more detailed expectations on female graduates than male students.<\/p>\n
One senior, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was immediately struck by the imbalance when reviewing the graduation guidelines.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first thing I noticed, the males only had two bullet points compared to the women who had seven,\u201d the student said.<\/p>\n
The student said her concerns went beyond the number of rules and focused on the level of detail directed at female graduates.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re talking about the height of your heels or the dress you are supposed to wear under the gown,\u201d she said. \u201cI thought it was ridiculous because everyone will be wearing the same cap and gown.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the guidelines, male students were instructed to wear a collared dress shirt or polo, dark-colored pants and certain approved shoes.<\/p>\n
The dress code for female students included additional requirements, such as lightweight dresses, hidden collars under gowns, limits on skirt volume and dress length, restrictions on dress styles and heels under three inches with closed heels or straps. The guidelines also stated female students would be sent home to change if a dress or skirt was considered too short.<\/p>\n
However, no similar reprimanded language was listed for male students.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do believe that wasn\u2019t equal at all,\u201d the student said. \u201cIt\u2019s weird that if a male wore something not in the dress code they might get a slap on the wrist, but to go as far as to say the girl will have to go back home to find a new dress.\u201d<\/p>\n
After concerns were raised, the school district said changes are now being made.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the district said, \u201cAs soon as school administration became aware of concerns regarding the post, it was immediately removed. The message was never intended to offend, exclude, or make any student feel unsupported during such an important milestone.<\/p>\n
Staff is revising the graduation dress code communication, and updated information will be shared directly with students during Monday\u2019s rehearsal.<\/p>\n
Orange County Public Schools is committed to fairness, respect, and consistency for all students. Graduation dress code expectations are aligned with the OCPS Code of Student Conduct and will be applied equitably. We take any concerns about potential disparities seriously and will continue reviewing our practices to ensure every graduate feels valued, respected, and celebrated on their special day.”<\/p>\n
The student said she hopes the situation serves as a lesson moving forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope this is a learning experience for them to be very careful,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is a new time. A lot of women are working very hard, and it\u2019s disheartening to see that we have ridiculous restrictions.\u201d<\/p>\n
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