AIS’ new punishment for uniform infractions is dystopian, akin to the visual symbols of public humiliation prevalent in works like The Scarlet Letter and The Handmaid’s Tale. The first free dress day of the school year is a joyous occasion, a time for the community to enjoy a freedom lost with the end of summer. However, this year, the event failed to rouse enthusiasm because it was tainted by its new function. A punitive measure, meant to inspire shame among those it excludes, is hardly cause for celebration.

One of the primary issues with this current policy is that it visually marks transgressors. While not discussed in the student-body handbook, the penalty for such infractions, according to academic administrators, is as follows: any student who has received a DM for noncompliance with uniform expectations may not participate in that month’s free dress day. Remaining in academic attire as one’s peers wear what they wish is humiliating. Furthermore, it visually brands students as guilty, and triggers judgment from the community, alienating them. Not only is this punishment needlessly cruel, but it also directly contradicts the purpose of Agnes Irwin’s uniform. According to the Upper-School handbook, kilts and unbranded sweatshirts serve a purpose: to establish “equity within the community. In uniting the student-body through dress, the uniform aims to avoid the disparity that material goods can create” (2021-2022 Upper School Handbook for Students and Parents, 11). But only allowing certain students the privilege to participate in free dress days is divisive. Clothing separates those who are “good”, and obey school rules, from the “guilty”, sowing discord within the AIS community. Ultimately, this new disciplinary measure is alarming in its reliance upon public shame as a tool to curb misbehavior, as well as its deviance from Agnes Irwin’s core value of “fostering trust and community”.

Disallowing free dress day participation in response to uniform violations also devalues the event for those who can participate. One of the key doctrines Agnes Irwin teaches students is the importance of looking out for one another, and the relationship between celebration and community. Having internalized that philosophy, many girls struggle to enjoy the freedom of unrestricted clothing when their peers cannot experience that same excitement. Thus, an occasion that is meant to be exciting falls flat; celebration is insensitive when exclusive. Furthermore, this cheapening of the free dress day experience ensures that the out-of-uniform policy will become ineffective over time. If the reward meant to encourage proper academic dress no longer rouses joy, it is ineffective, and will not influence the student-body in any manner. The number of uniform infractions will only grow with each passing month, the reward for compliance unattractive.

However, while the current punishment for violating academic dress is ineffective and cruel, uniform infractions remain a matter of concern. Thus, school administration should consider establishing a solution that focuses upon the group rather than individuals. The current policy, for instance, could be amended. Monthly free dress would remain a reward for uniform compliance. However, instead of punishing specific violators, shaming them, administrators would set a monthly maximum for upper-school infractions before canceling the event. This measure would target the entire student-body, rather than individuals. Other collectivist solutions are viable as well. The current means of addressing uniform infractions is cruel, and antithetical to both academic dress and Agnes Irwin’s mission.  An Agnes Irwin girl is so much more than a plaid kilt and white polo; concern for others, as well as engagement in community spirit, defines her.