The Gonzaga dress code is ingrained into our community. Since the school’s founding, there has always been a dress code. In previous decades, the dress code has changed, evolved, and in some areas, loosened up. However, more information needs to be collected on the feelings of the student body regarding the policy. Students have gotten disciplined for wearing sneakers, and a few students each day find themselves in JUG.
The shoe policy is one key area of the dress code where there always seem to be the most violations. Students always wear sneakers or other “illegal” shoes at school on any given day. As a result, the overall opinion of the student body regarding the shoe policy is interesting—the general view among the entire school accepts the school shoe policy. However, almost every student would prefer tennis shoes or sneakers to school shoes. Tommy McKinnon, a senior, held a view that summarizes the feeling throughout the school.
“I never really had a big issue with the rule, but I would like to be allowed to wear sneakers,” McKinnon said.
Students of all ages generally accepted the policy, although sneakers would be welcome.
“The Sperrys do make my feet sore, but they represent a standard,” said Jackson Marlais, junior.
Additionally, students understand the shoe policy could be worse, as the specific type of shoe most students wear, Sperrys, are comfortable to begin with. If the shoe policy required a more uncomfortable shoe, students would have more of an issue.
The primary concern students and faculty hold regarding the shoe policy remain centered around the policy’s disciplinary aspect. Many students often get JUG for wearing sneakers, which causes frustration among faculty and students.
“You shouldn’t get JUG for wearing sneakers; it has happened to me too often,” said Kian Pires, junior.
Still, because the punishment for getting caught breaking the shoe policy is one day of JUG, there are rarely any significant disputes between faculty and students over the procedure.
The policy has also become increasingly flexible. Students have other options besides Sperrys, as almost any dress-style shoe with laces will work, giving students the space they need to find a shoe they find comfortable.
Mr. Ian Wuertz, assistant dean of students, said that the shoe policy upholds a standard.
“It represents professionalism and being ready and prepared,” Mr. Wuertz said.
The idea of a standard is undoubtedly one of the student body also. However, there was an indication the shoe policy was not set in stone.
When asked if the shoe policy would ever change, Mr. Wuertz responded, “Definitely, rules change in the handbook all the time, so nothing in there is immune to that, and we have seen rules vary before.”
As the handbook constantly evolves and changes, the future of the Gonzaga shoe policy will be one watch for the next generations of Gonzaga students.
Ms Kellie Stewart • Feb 14, 2023 at 1:26 pm
Great job on this article James!