By Derick Weckerle
Hats have become commonplace in today’s society, from baseball caps to snapbacks, hats are showing up in schools more and more. Many schools have a policy of not allowing hats in school, Plainwell High School enforces that same policy. It’s time for that to change.
“Headgear (e.g., hat, bandanna, hood, etc.) and sunglasses are not to be worn (or carried about in the school) upon entering the building and through the remainder of the school day. Sunglasses at dances or indoor events are not permitted,” states PHS student handbook.
The hat rule is common in a lot of schools. Some believe it’s traditional, we don’t get rid of it because it’s been around forever.
“It’s more of a security issue,” said Debrah Burley assistant principal at PHS.
“There’s an illusion that students doing school work can hide stuff in their hat, that comes from the old days. Students would write answers in their hats or place cheat sheets in them to help them on school work or to cheat on tests and quizzes,” said Burley.
Some believe that the hat rule was instituted because wearing a hat in school could come across as a sign of disrespect. Times have changed since the rule was first put into place in schools and some believe that this is no longer the case.
“I don’t think hats are disrespectful, I wear them all the time”, said math teacher Tim Rieman.
Some teachers may not enforce the rule, while others will call you out on wearing your hat whenever they see you.
Typically once a day Burley says she will tell someone to take their hat off. About a decade ago, she wouldn’t have had to. Hats were actually allowed, before some students took it too far wearing innapropriate hats because they thought it was funny.
Students need to stand up for their right to wear hats in school, times have changed and it’s time for a revision of the hat rule.