Students protest dress code policy at Hickman High School
ABC 17 has confirmed with Columbia Public Schools that a student protest on Thursday was over the dress code policies.
In a letter to parents, the Hickman High School principal Tony Gragnani addressed the incident.
“The students came to school wearing clothing that is outlined in the district and school student handbook and district policy as being inappropriate for the classroom,” said Gragnani. “In addition to violations of the dress code, a small number of the students involved in the protest were insubordinate and defiant when asked to change clothes or cover up, accusing administrators and those charged with enforcing the policy of degrading women. Ultimately, one student was sent home and others chose to put on clothing that meets our requirements and returned to class.”
District policy leaves enforcement of the dress code up to each school’s principal. Gragnani said that while they encourage students to voice their opinion through clubs and student government, the protest “created more disruption to the educational environment than dialogue.”
Amelia Chibnall-Voltmer, a junior at Hickman, said she heard about some students defying the dress code to protest its intent. She said that students should not sexualize others based on what they wear, but feels that the school’s policy tries to curb that behavior.
“People that think that way are still going to have their thoughts,” Chibnall-Voltmer said. “But I just think that [the district is] just trying to make it minimal.”
You can read the full letter below:
Dear Hickman High School Families:
At Hickman High School, our goal is for all students to achieve high academic standards in an environment that supports learning. I want to inform you about an incident that occurred on our campus today. I want to make sure you have accurate information and dispel any rumors you may have heard about the incident.
Earlier today, several students were involved in a protest of the district’s dress code policy. The students came to school wearing clothing that is outlined in the district and school student handbook and district policy as being inappropriate for the classroom. In addition to violations of the dress code, a small number of the students involved in the protest were insubordinate and defiant when asked to change clothes or cover up, accusing administrators and those charged with enforcing the policy of degrading women. Ultimately, one student was sent home and others chose to put on clothing that meets our requirements and returned to class.
At Hickman, we provide many avenues for students to voice their concerns and advocate for change. In fact, we encourage our students to learn how to be engaged citizens through our clubs, free speech activities, student government and classroom discussions. As principal, I maintain an open door policy for students to come and talk about their concerns, as do the members of our outstanding faculty and staff. We want our students to learn about how to utilize proper channels to create conversations, dialogues and change within their communities. We want our students to learn how to use their voice in a meaningful way to create systems of change. Unfortunately, today’s events created more disruption to the educational environment than dialogue.
I am asking you to review these policies and our handbook with your child:
Our goal is to provide an educational program that honors diversity and academics and focuses on the needs of all students. It is important that we maintain an educational environment that supports those goals. Thank you for your help and support of our efforts. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Tony Gragnani
Principal
Hickman High School
