Opinion

NDB’s new uniform policy

Brooke Horvai, Assistant Opinion Editor| January 25, 2021

Class of ’21 lines up in for the Junior Ring Ceremony in their formal uniform

NDB administration decides to change the dress code for students coming on campus.

With Notre Dame planning on reopening sometime during the second semester, students have to once again consider uniforms. However, girls no longer have to fear pleated skirts and polo shirts.

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students are given more freedom with the dress code but are still expected to show up ready for school.

The dress code has been updated, now allowing students to wear non-NDB sweatpants, jeans, leggings, etc., on days other than Friday. Girls are also encouraged to dress in layers and are allowed to bring blankets and the popular blanket/hoodie The Comfy.

However, the document details that the new “uniform,” does not permit pajamas, slippers, or onesies. Essentially, students are given more freedom with the dress code but are still expected to show up ready for school.

Many girls are excited about the change, and what it could mean for the future of NDB’s uniform.

“I like the new dress code because it is more relaxed and allows us to stay warm now that we have to keep the windows open,” junior Maddy Scheinman said.

With COVID safety taking a priority, students are happy that other aspects of NDB will change to make the hybrid-model more manageable.

But, what does this mean for the future? Perhaps next year, or a few years from now, the school will return in-person, to the way it was before. This could mean the end of NDB’s official uniform. The 20-21 parent/student handbook determines that the daily uniform still includes the skirts, shirts, and NDB hoodies, but that has already changed.

NDB has had a uniform since the school opened, 170 years ago. And looking forward, the possibility of a permanent, significant change or complete termination of the system is looking more and more probable.