This column is open to faculty, students, and administrators. It is an expression of the author exclusively and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the Westerner staff. The staff reserves the right to edit or refuse publication of any article submitted.

By SCOTT HAYWARD

One look down the halls will verify that Maine West is undergoing a change. The appearance of the school itself is different, both with new wings and new students. But the appearance of the people is also changing.

One welcome relief from conformity is the sight of an occasional beard among the teachers. The student dress code has been somewhat liberalized, and students are also beginning to learn the joys of gum chewing. In general, relaxed restrictions tend to create a more relaxed atmosphere among students, teachers, and administrators, therefore creating a better learning situation.

The administration is obviously trying to keep up with current changes in dress and grooming styles. But no matter what kind of dress code is established, somebody is bound to complain. If shoulder‑length hair is banned for boys, then crew cuts might just as well be banned. Crew cuts are just as extreme as extralong hair.

How a person dresses is purely a matter of individual preference. High school students should have the responsibility to decide how they want to look. They cannot be expected to think independently and make intelligent,

adult decisions in an atmosphere which does not even allow self-expression in terms of dress. Our current dress code would bar George Washington, Albert Einstein, and Jesus Christ from getting an education.

The big worry, when it comes to removing the dress code, is will a student's dress be disruptive to the classroom? This is a very legitimate question. The smooth operation of the classroom is by far the first consideration. This is the main reason the dress code was created in the first place. The irony of the situation is that the dress code itself is disruptive to the classroom. There is so much concern about it that it takes many a classroom discussion that would have been otherwise used for education. What could possibly be more disruptive? Would a student really disrupt the class if he walked in with a beard and long hair? Maybe the first day or two. Then the novelty of it would wear off. In fact, the novelty might wear off enough that he would cut it. And girls wearing shorts or slacks would probably not be half as disruptive as some of the skirts they wear now.

Many believe that if the dress code was removed there would not be a great change in students' dress. It would, however, create an enormous change in attitude of the students towards the administration and towards themselves. The only way to honestly find out is to try it. It is sincerely hoped that the steps of liberalization taken this year were not the last and that Maine West will step forward and show that it is not afraid to remove the dress code.