On the 26th of May, the students did a manifestation in the cafeteria during lunchtime, leaving the teachers no choice but to just watch.

The topic of dress code has always been a hot topic at school, and with warm weather coming, the battle between crop tops and shorts becomes more and more present. “I feel like the school just wants us to die of heat in those clothes that they want to force us to wear,” said a student, to which a teacher responded, “I understand that with summer coming up and hot days, students want to wear clothes that cover less, but there are ways to respect the rules and still not be too hot.”

Students side

It started with an Instagram story that students were called upon to repost so that most people could see. In summary, the message said that all the students should come to school in crop tops to show the teacher that they are not embarrassed by their bodies and that the only ones who are are the adults who shouldn’t be paying attention to them.

For the first half of the day, not much happened, and it seemed like everyone had forgotten, but in reality, they were only planning their attack. At three-quarters past twelve, all the students started rushing to the cafeteria, yelling “Let us wear what we want”. “I know that it might not make that much of a difference, but it’s sure that nothing’s going to change if we do nothing. We all have a voice, and it is our right to use it,” said a student.

Teacher side

Every teacher could agree on the fact that they found the protest a mess and executed it poorly. “We respect the fact that the students want to speak and it’s their right to be heard, but they’re much better ways to do it,” said a teacher.  It’s true that for a protest to be efficient you first need to inform yourself fully about the subject that you want to debate. “No one came to my office asking about the dress code. If they did, they would know that it’s being worked on,” said Genevieve Maheux. Secondly, the authorities have to be warned before, in this case, it’s the teachers. Thirdly, it has to be passive and no material has to be destroyed. The point of a protest is to talk about what your defending and then hear what the other side has to say.

student council side

Since the start of the year, the student council has been working on changing the rules. Jader, the president, has written a letter that was sent to the committee that manages those kinds of aspects. “We have been putting a lot of effort trying to change a part of the school system and we practically get no credit for it. We manage to show that we were responsible enough to wear what we want, but the protest did a whole reverse effect. It gave an image of unprofessionalism,” said a student in the council. What a lot of people forgive ţo take into account is that every change can only be effected the year after the demand has been done and approved.

Changes

It is now officially announced that from the start of next year, uncovered shoulders will be allowed on the school field. Students can thank the student council, but above all Jaider Cabarcas who fought for that change. “I know that it may seems like nothing for some people but it’s a big step compared to what we achieved the years before. I may not be hear next year, but I have fait in the those that will take my place and I am sure that one day we will achieve our goals,” said the president.