Do other parents really complain?

[mamacatnv]

Oh for pity sakes! Cheerleaders have been wearing their uniforms to school on game day around here ever since there have been game days. Its part of being a cheerleader.

Every sports team, activity group, or whatever has something they wear on their game day, competition or performance day or event day. It makes others aware of whatever the activity is doing and is part of the whole school spirit thing.

Why do so many have to make such a fuss about such stupid stuff???

If there is going to be such a stink made about the uniform at school, why allow it at the games?

Our hs has a pep rally every game day and they wear the uniform to cheer at the pep rally so no matter what it will still be worn during the school day. I am guessing the school in the OP probably does this too.

My child is not a cheerleader so I am not coming from that perspective.

If a parent with a daughter who is not a cheerleader cannot see the difference between dress code and wearing a uniform then it seems to me they are the ones with the issue not the cheerleader. Just like there will be days our choir kids will wear jeans and a choir t-shirt while everyone else is wearing their school uniforms--its just part of being in choir.

Also, it is hardly fair to say that all of the girls are just looking for an excuse to wear something skimpy. That is painting with a very wide brush and is a stereotype of cheerleaders. Those uniforms cover more than most seem to think. The skirt is short but no matter how much it flips up nothing is going to show. A LOT less is shown in those uniforms than a girl shows in shorts and a t-shirt.

Well, I am sorry that you do not feel that you see a satisfactory answer here. But, IMHO, it is really very simple and obvious.

Dress for teen girls is a huge issue in probably every high school.
It just is.
No question.
If you ain't seeing that... then.

Dress codes exist for a reason.
For a GOOD reason.

At the local high school, from what I hear, the Asst. Principal will actually carry a measure to measure skirt length, shoulder strap width, etc...

I am going to risk offending the parents of any cheerleader parents here.... And, so I will start by saying, if this truly does not apply to you, then
(knowing I will probably get flamed even after this disclaimer)

But, knowing my impression of many cheerleaders... They will only welcome the opportunity to wear a skimpy outfit and milk it for all it is worth.
(Just noting how many "HATE GOING TO DISNEY WHEN THE CHEER GROUPS ARE THERE") comments I have read here on the DIS.

I really see no reason why basic dress code policy guidelines should be not apply, to EVERYONE.

And, to be honest, IMHO, the cheerleader and the cheer mom in that video, just did not come off well at all.... There was the mom... the spitting image of what we now refer to as a 'pageant mom'... and very entitled.

Oh dear I'm not a cheer parent and I find this offensive, judgmental and just mean spirited. This sounds like something coming out of the mouth of a high schooler who did not make the cheer team.

 

[Pigeon]

Either the school has a dress code that should apply to all students or it should drop the dress code. The reasons the school has a dress code don't suddenly disappear because Little Precious and her mom feel a need to show off her pom-poms during class time.

There is nothing special about cheerleaders. There is no reason why they need to wear their dress code violating uniforms during school hours, other than that they think they are special.

There are plenty of other groups that represent the school. Cheerleaders don't have a monopoly on that, nor do sports teams for that matter.

If it is important to the little snowflakes that they be set apart for their specialness, they can get matching t-shirts or ribbons or do a thousand other things that don't violate the dress code.

This isn't about school spirit. It's about cheerleaders thinking they have some magical cheerleader privilege.

 

[luvsJack]

Either the school has a dress code that should apply to all students or it should drop the dress code. The reasons the school has a dress code don't suddenly disappear because Little Precious and her mom feel a need to show off her pom-poms during class time.

There is nothing special about cheerleaders. There is no reason why they need to wear their dress code violating uniforms during school hours, other than that they think they are special.

There are plenty of other groups that represent the school. Cheerleaders don't have a monopoly on that, nor do sports teams for that matter.

If it is important to the little snowflakes that they be set apart for their specialness, they can get matching t-shirts or ribbons or do a thousand other things that don't violate the dress code.

This isn't about school spirit. It's about cheerleaders thinking they have some magical cheerleader privilege.

Wow, much venom for cheerleaders?

Our school has a semi-strict dress code with uniforms.

Should the kids not get to dress up for spirit week because its not "in dress code"?

Or should the other activities not be able to wear their t shirts/uniforms/whatever on their event days? After all, the rest of the student body will be in their school uniforms. Technically, if a school has uniforms anything else does violate the dress code. Or is this "must be in dress code" rule only for cheerleaders?

The uniform in the picture is hardly "vulgar". Its a sleeveless tank top with a short skirt that is barely shorter than a lot of short shorts. And she more than likely has bloomers on underneath.

 

[sam_gordon]

Wow, much venom for cheerleaders?

Our school has a semi-strict dress code with uniforms.

Should the kids not get to dress up for spirit week because its not "in dress code"?

Or should the other activities not be able to wear their t shirts/uniforms/whatever on their event days? After all, the rest of the student body will be in their school uniforms. Technically, if a school has uniforms anything else does violate the dress code. Or is this "must be in dress code" rule only for cheerleaders?

The uniform in the picture is hardly "vulgar". Its a sleeveless tank top with a short skirt that is barely shorter than a lot of short shorts. And she more than likely has bloomers on underneath.

The problem is those "short shorts" (presumably) aren't allowed by the dress code. Bloomers on doesn't change that. Is wearing the full cheer uniform the ONLY way for cheerleaders to show spirit? What's wrong with wearing the top & "normal" bottoms? Do the football players wear their game pants to school? Should they? After all, that shows "spirit", right?

 

[RitaE]

Of course the kids can dress up for Spirit Week, they simply have to do it following the same dress code that every other student sitting in class has to follow.

I've been through the stress of the strict Dress code with a High School student. As a parent, it is a PITA to find clothing that is acceptable to the teen as well as to the school. The violations weren't exactly minor either. First time was sent home to change and anything missed while the kid was gone was a 0. Second time was Detention week with extra curricular suspension. Third time was Suspension.

Allowing certain groups to wiggle around those rules with their clothing while punishing others is the exact opposite of promoting school spirit. It's only going to fuel all the "Well she gets to do that because blah blah blah blah" fighting that goes on. Really, the cheerleaders at my son's school had the matching Under Armor shirts, sweats, and all the matching hair crap. They were still "Cheerleader Special" because only the Cheerleaders had those outfits. They all looked pretty darn cute and everybody who saw them knew exactly who and what they were. They wore that stuff to school on game days and also on the bus to games. They only changed into the Cheer Uniforms in the locker room or bathroom right before a game, the same way the athletes did, which I imagine not only solved the dress code drama but cut down on the wear and tear of the uniforms.

It seems like a much more sensible solution to me than making exception left and right and just giving people a reason to protest.

 

[Pigeon]

Wow, much venom for cheerleaders?

Our school has a semi-strict dress code with uniforms.

Should the kids not get to dress up for spirit week because its not "in dress code"?

Or should the other activities not be able to wear their t shirts/uniforms/whatever on their event days? After all, the rest of the student body will be in their school uniforms. Technically, if a school has uniforms anything else does violate the dress code. Or is this "must be in dress code" rule only for cheerleaders?

The uniform in the picture is hardly "vulgar". Its a sleeveless tank top with a short skirt that is barely shorter than a lot of short shorts. And she more than likely has bloomers on underneath.

I think spirit week is pretty stupid all around.

If the cheerleaders can violate the dress code in the name of spirit week, all the other kids should get to wear whatever they feel like wearing in the name of spirit week, including inappropriately short shorts or skirts and tank tops.

 

[Colleen27]

If there is going to be such a stink made about the uniform at school, why allow it at the games?

Because there are functional and traditional considerations to uniform design. Just like a swimmer wears something appropriate for the requirements of her sport, a cheerleader wears a uniform that is appropriate for the range of motion required for hers.

Besides, even fans aren't required to be in school-appropriate dress at games. At least that's the case in my district. The dress code exists to reduce unnecessary distractions/disruptions to the learning process, and as such is only enforced during the school day.

 

[luvsJack]

Of course the kids can dress up for Spirit Week, they simply have to do it following the same dress code that every other student sitting in class has to follow.

I've been through the stress of the strict Dress code with a High School student. As a parent, it is a PITA to find clothing that is acceptable to the teen as well as to the school. The violations weren't exactly minor either. First time was sent home to change and anything missed while the kid was gone was a 0. Second time was Detention week with extra curricular suspension. Third time was Suspension.

Allowing certain groups to wiggle around those rules with their clothing while punishing others is the exact opposite of promoting school spirit. It's only going to fuel all the "Well she gets to do that because blah blah blah blah" fighting that goes on. Really, the cheerleaders at my son's school had the matching Under Armor shirts, sweats, and all the matching hair crap. They were still "Cheerleader Special" because only the Cheerleaders had those outfits. They all looked pretty darn cute and everybody who saw them knew exactly who and what they were. They wore that stuff to school on game days and also on the bus to games. They only changed into the Cheer Uniforms in the locker room or bathroom right before a game, the same way the athletes did, which I imagine not only solved the dress code drama but cut down on the wear and tear of the uniforms.

It seems like a much more sensible solution to me than making exception left and right and just giving people a reason to protest.

Funny, because it doesn't fuel anything here. High school kids are old enough to understand why the cheerleaders wear their uniforms on game day.

Our choir has a performance on Thursday of next week. Dress code is polos and khakis (NO jeans). The choir will wear jeans and a choir t-shirt. They are in violation of the dress code by what all of you are saying.

 

[luvsJack]

I think spirit week is pretty stupid all around.

If the cheerleaders can violate the dress code in the name of spirit week, all the other kids should get to wear whatever they feel like wearing in the name of spirit week, including inappropriately short shorts or skirts and tank tops.

uhmm, during spirit week all of the kids can dress according to the day it is. 50's day, Hippie day, school colors day, whatever. NOT in dress code.

And I know, how stupid that the kids get to have some fun that week, isn't it?

 

[sam_gordon]

Funny, because it doesn't fuel anything here. High school kids are old enough to understand why the cheerleaders wear their uniforms on game day.

Our choir has a performance on Thursday of next week. Dress code is polos and khakis (NO jeans). The choir will wear jeans and a choir t-shirt. They are in violation of the dress code by what all of you are saying.

Yes. And if someone wanted to make a stink, they can.

All kids are equal, but some kids are more equal than others, right?

 

[jrmasm]

Yes. And if someone wanted to make a stink, they can.

All kids are equal, but some kids are more equal than others, right?

No, more special.

 

[luvsJack]

The problem is those "short shorts" (presumably) aren't allowed by the dress code. Bloomers on doesn't change that. Is wearing the full cheer uniform the ONLY way for cheerleaders to show spirit? What's wrong with wearing the top & "normal" bottoms? Do the football players wear their game pants to school? Should they? After all, that shows "spirit", right?

No, but why should the parents have to purchase another set or uniform? There is nothing wrong with those uniforms.

And the players can't wear their uniform pants because they would fall of of them without the pads and it would be a little hard to sit in desks all day with pants and pad, don't cha think? But, if they want to wear them, by all means go ahead.

I have seen basketball players wear their whole uniform. No different. Oh, but you will say those shorts are long, etc. Still not within dress code if athletic wear isn't allowed, still not within dress code if school uniforms are worn.

 

[mamacatnv]

Yes. And if someone wanted to make a stink, they can.

All kids are equal, but some kids are more equal than others, right?

Why does everything our kids do have to be equal?


I am really seeing a cheerleader resentment in this thread. If it is that prevalent here, I am seeing this whole uproar in a different light. Lots of resentment and stereo typing towards cheerleaders. Its not about dress code, not about uniforms but about Cheerleaders in general. Interesting

 

[jrmasm]

No, but why should the parents have to purchase another set or uniform? There is nothing wrong with those uniforms.
.

Well actually there is something wrong with the uniforms. They violate the dress code.

 

[luvsJack]

Yes. And if someone wanted to make a stink, they can.

All kids are equal, but some kids are more equal than others, right?

Obviously the ones that want to make a stink about such stuff are.

Its not about being special because one is cheerleader or a football player or on the chess team or a choir member. Its about being proud of what they do and the school they attend. Its about being an active member of their student body. And its about everyone needing to relax a little and quit being so uptight about everything.

Cheerleaders have been wearing these "oh so horrible" uniforms since the beginning to time. Why is it such an issue NOW? Sounds to me like the "special snowflake" isn't the cheerleader.

 

[luvsJack]

Well actually there is something wrong with the uniforms. They violate the dress code.

And? Its a "code" not a set of laws. There are always circumstances where the code can be broken or bent. There are days that administrators can decide to bend these rules. This is one of them.

Of course until someone decided to "get upset" about it.

 

[jrmasm]

Obviously the ones that want to make a stink about such stuff are.

Its not about being special because one is cheerleader or a football player or on the chess team or a choir member. Its about being proud of what they do and the school they attend. Its about being an active member of their student body. And its about everyone needing to relax a little and quit being so uptight about everything.

Cheerleaders have been wearing these "oh so horrible" uniforms since the beginning to time. Why is it such an issue NOW? Sounds to me like the "special snowflake" isn't the cheerleader.

No, it's because dress codes have changed over the years and become much more rigid.

 

[sam_gordon]

No, but why should the parents have to purchase another set or uniform? There is nothing wrong with those uniforms.

Huh? Who said anything about purchasing another set of ANYTHING? Don't these girls have pants/skirts/shorts they wear on non-game days?

And the players can't wear their uniform pants because they would fall of of them without the pads and it would be a little hard to sit in desks all day with pants and pad, don't cha think? But, if they want to wear them, by all means go ahead.

Funny, all the football pants I've seen over the years have had belts with them (along with ties). The pads don't keep the pants on.

I have seen basketball players wear their whole uniform. No different. Oh, but you will say those shorts are long, etc. Still not within dress code if athletic wear isn't allowed, still not within dress code if school uniforms are worn.

If the shorts don't follow dress code, the school has the right to say they can't be worn.

Why does everything our kids do have to be equal?

So cheerleaders/athletes should be treated different because of their roles? Can we give them all A's in classes since they've made the teams? They shouldn't have to do homework because of all the practices, right?

I am really seeing a cheerleader resentment in this thread. If it is that prevalent here, I am seeing this whole uproar in a different light. Lots of resentment and stereo typing towards cheerleaders. Its not about dress code, not about uniforms but about Cheerleaders in general. Interesting

Again speaking as a former teenage boy, I *LOVED* seeing the girls in the cheerleading skirts. But I don't think it's right to tell non-cheerleaders "that skirt is too short" but if you're a cheerleader, it's OK. It's either too short or its not.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Obviously the ones that want to make a stink about such stuff are.

Its not about being special because one is cheerleader or a football player or on the chess team or a choir member. Its about being proud of what they do and the school they attend. Its about being an active member of their student body. And its about everyone needing to relax a little and quit being so uptight about everything.

Cheerleaders have been wearing these "oh so horrible" uniforms since the beginning to time. Why is it such an issue NOW? Sounds to me like the "special snowflake" isn't the cheerleader.

Actually when I was in high school (graduated '84) the cheerleading uniforms looked NOTHING like they do now. They were maybe an inch or 2 above the knee, pleated, and they wore shirts with sweaters over them. The skirts now are barely an inch or two below their crotches and the shirts are sometimes bare midriff. HUGE difference.

It's all about the snowflake mentality of being "better than", and "more special than". FWIW, my daughter used to do competitive cheerleading and there is no group more self-centered and above it all than cheerleaders, her included. That's why I'm glad she doesn't do it anymore. Of course not all cheerleaders are like this, but most are. Even back in my day when they were more covered up. Oh and before you go there, I did cheerleading in grammar school and chose not to do in high school because of the attitude. And I was friendly with many of the cheerleaders, but once they put that uniform on, something changes.

 

[Pigeon]

uhmm, during spirit week all of the kids can dress according to the day it is. 50's day, Hippie day, school colors day, whatever. NOT in dress code.

And I know, how stupid that the kids get to have some fun that week, isn't it?

So at your school if a non-cheerleader showed up in a skin tight tank top and a two inch long skirt with matching panties underneath all in the name of spirit week, that would be just fine?

My kid is in several musical groups. Orchestra typically dresses in black and white. If she showed up on concert days in a white tank top and a two inch long black skirt, I would get a phone call to pick her up. Her white top and her black skirt need to otherwise meet the dress code.