Students of Clark Magnet High School are required, and responsible, for following dress code standards. But recently, some say free dress days have been unclear to the students, leading to multiple complications.

Halloween day’s “free dress” standards ran smoothly, according to Health Clerk Grace L. Juarez. On Oct. 30, Counseling Clerk Becky Bondy made an announcement during fourth and seventh periods stating that students were allowed to wear jeans if they wore orange or black. Other than the announcements, this information was contained in the bulletin, which teachers had a copy of and could share with their classes.

Other than Halloween day’s free dress opportunity, Friday, Oct. 26, was somewhat of a free dress day if students wore red to support red-ribbon week. Bondy announced on the PA that technically it was not a “free dress” day, but a day that students could wear jeans if they wore a red collared shirt. This announcement and clothing guideline brought confusion to some students.

One student claimed that she arrived in school wearing red shoes, but not a red collared shirt. “Ms. Kortoshian stopped me to check on my red, and I showed her my red shoes but she said it had to be a red collar or shirt,” the student, who wished to remain anonymous, said. “Ms. Kortoshian took my name and said she would check with the office if what I was wearing was okay. I haven’t gotten any word back yet.”

That student wasn’t the only one not wearing a red collared shirt. Another student came in wearing maroon pants and a scarf. “I wasn’t even wearing red,” the student said. “I was wearing maroon, actually, and I walked past Ms. Kortoshian and I didn’t get coded.” “I just thought you could wear red anything for it to be free-dress day.”

While those students did not wear red collared shirts, other students who did wear red collared shirts said they were confused. “I heard it had to be a red collared shirt, but when I came into school today, some people were wearing just normal red shirts without a collar,” said sophomore Rubina Mashadyan.

English teacher Stephanie Sajjadieh said that she understands why students would be confused about free dress days. “Free dress days should be every other Friday. People just get out of control because they get too excited like it’s a big deal,” Sajjadieh said. “There wouldn’t be any complications or confusion,” Sajjadieh said about this suggestion.

Although the confusion may continue, the true meaning behind these free dress days are for support and promotion, according to Bondy and teacher Judy Sanzo. “We make an attempt to not make it a ‘free dress’ day. The main idea is to promote a cause,” Bondy said.

Juarez said she felt the confusion about the recent free dress days. “You know, the students are confused because there’s something differently said on the bulletin, announcements, and even teachers,” she said.

The confusion may continue since information is not quickly given, according to Bondy. “I mean, I just announce what I am told. Sometimes I don’t have enough time to edit on the bulletin, so I just make the announcement,” she said.