At Mount Vernon High School, we’re proud of our community, one that values learning, leadership, and responsibility. However, lately, a problem has been overlooked. Students wearing clothes that promote drugs, alcohol, and marijuana, right here in our hallways. 

This may not seem like a big deal at first, but it sends the wrong message. When we allow clothing with alcohol logos at school, we’re acting like this is what goes on in our school and is normal or even cool for teens associated with this behavior. This is not the kind of culture we should be promoting in a school where the focus is supposed to be on education and growth. Some may say that what we wear is a personal choice or that it’s not hurting anyone. But school is a shared space, and when we all have to follow certain rules to keep it respectful and appropriate. Just like we can’t wear shirts with profanity or hate speech. Clothing that promotes alcohol shouldn’t be okay either, especially when we’re underage and drinking is illegal. 

There is also real data behind this. According to the CDC, teens who are exposed to alcohol related ads and messaging are much more likely to start drinking at a younger age. That’s a risk we shouldn’t take lightly. We should be protecting students from that influence just like the D.A.R.E. programs we enforce. 

This is not saying students should be punished badly but rather that the dress code should be enforced equally and fairly. We could do this by offering an extra T-shirt or pants for this student that is being dress coded. If we’re going to have rules, they need to be followed. As of now, it feels like the rules are there but not followed, and that sets a bad look for MVHS.

For the most part Mount Vernon is a school that takes responsibility for doing the right thing. Therefore we should hold our students and staff accountable and reasonable. This is not to take away freedom from students but to stay focused, safe, and respectful for everyone.