Quote Box: Dress Code Reform

“Our current dress code is behind the times in terms of gender identity and acceptance of everyone's personal expression, so this is a huge step forward.”

— Upper Zaidee Laughlin

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“Exeter is a prep school, not just for college, but for life. In life, there aren't gender neutral dress codes. The dress code doesn't confine you strictly to one gender—there are plenty of people on campus who mix and match the girl’s and guy’s dress codes.”

— Prep Jo de la Bruyere

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“It's really important to be sensitive to those who are not cisgender and realize that this is not just about getting rid of the tie.”

—Senior Christina Rossito

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“I'm for no dress code at any rate. The only dress code that makes sense to me in a coed school is a uniform and that's not likely to happen. Down with the dress code!”

—Mathematics instructor Thomas Seidenberg

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“I think that opposed to men needing to dress down, women should be held to a higher standard than at present. The image of an Exonian—male, female or otherwise—should be one of professionalism, and while the men’s requirement of a collared shirt and tie reflects that, the women’s dress code currently does not. A shirt and tie is a part of the Exeter education, and my time at Exeter was shaped by that dress code requirement.”

—Julian Drury ‘14

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“The tie is strict and kind of pretentious. For boys it’s about looking professional and for girls it’s about not revealing too much.”

— Prep Thaddeus Scott

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“Sounds terrible and expensive for people who have already spent a lot of money on clothes to buy a whole new wardrobe.”

—Senior Courtney Henrich

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“This is what I’ve been voting for for ages.”

— English instructor Rebecca Moore

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“The dress code change is an assault to Exeter's traditions and removes the impetus to dress professionally. The dress code change commodifies Exeter as well.”

— Milton Syed ‘14

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“I've already graduated, but Exeter's dress code continues to affect me today in a positive way. It has helped me professionally, and it has helped me with the ladies.”

—Tyler Weitzman ‘14