Students in Tottenville protest high school's strict new dress code

TOTTENVILLE (WABC) -- Students in one Staten Island school district are protesting a strict new dress code implemented by their school.

The new standards, adopted recently by Tottenville High School, have resulted in detentions or warnings for dozens of students in the last two weeks.

The code covers everything from tank tops and short-shorts to hoodies and sunglasses.

"They're cracking down a little too much for a school that was used to doing whatever they want," said senior Alexandra Gliaos.

Some of the articles now banned under the 'Dress for Success' policy are low cut blouses, halter and midriff tops, super low riders, muscle T-shirts, short shorts and skirts, metal wallet or pants chains, and metal spike bracelets and necklaces.

On top of that, the school says no to hats, headbands, bandanas, hood/hoodies, sunglasses or do-rags, earplugs, and headphones and says no visible undergarments.

"Kids were getting yelled at and they were telling them they had to put shirts on from the gym," said Gliaos.

Most of the detained students have been girls.

The DOE says five students were placed in detention, but dozens of others received verbal warnings.

On the school's web site, Tottenville High School Superintendent Aimee Horowitz writes,"...such dress creates a distraction, is dangerous or interferes with the learning and teaching process."

In protest, some students still insist on wearing what they want to.

"The cheerleader outfit, it breaks the dress code. It's too short and goes past the relaxed line," said student Jonathan Giardino.

"If their parents let them out wearing it, there's no reason the school should be telling them not to wear it," said Gliaos. "If they care that much then get us uniforms."