Strapless Dresses at School Dances: a Constitutional Right?

Do you think the constitution protects your daughter’s right to expose her bare shoulders at a school dance?

Some New Jersey parents are arguing it does in response to a principal’s unpopular decision to ban strapless dresses from a junior high school dance, reports the Chicago Tribune. The principal called strapless dresses "distracting" to boys. 

One New Jersey teenager fought the ban, stating in a letter, "Basically by saying 'it distracts the boys' you're also saying that it is our fault on how they control their own behavior."

With prom season around the corner, dresses are a hot topic right now. We asked Southland Patch Facebook fans to share their feelings on kids, dances and clothing. Here's a sample of what we heard.

Sue P. on Beverly Mt. Greenwood Patch Facebook: Strapless formal dresses are indeed a right of passage, but usually for cotillions or junior/senior proms, not for 12-year-olds. That said, I have far less of a problem with tasteful dresses of ANY style than dressing up 10- 12-year-old cheerleaders in skimpier spandex than a prostitute. … If WE don't respect them, how on earth can we expect anyone else to?

Lisa V. on Tinley Park Patch Facebook: School dress code should still apply, even at dances!

Kelly C. on Oak Lawn Patch Facebook: I don't think strapless is bad at all. Its the high slits, cut outs, and super short dresses that are not appropriate! Even worse I seen this at our Marine Corp Ball a few years ago!! Bring back the timeless class ladies! lol

Christine K. on Oak Lawn Patch Facebook: I don't know what the 'style' is this season, but I remember years back for my girls in Jr. High it proved to be difficult to adhere to dress codes for the dance(s). How much different is a small spaghetti strap from a strapless? I agree w/Kelly in above post. About the length, high slits, & cut outs, that too. What I have seen in Jr. High & the H.S. dance(s)...I was shocked especially w/the length, or lack of, that the girls could even take a step w/o the dress slinking up higher. Hope they get it worked out & the kids have a nice time. 

Pat F. on H-F Patch Facebook: H-F high school has a dress code for prom and homecoming... no strapless or backless dresses... but the girls wear shawls to get around the rule... and they take off the shawl as soon as they leave the house. Dress codes only work when those in authority consistently dismiss (send home) the students who break the codes. It's hit or miss.

Tobias C. on H-F Patch Facebook: This is a cultural relativity question. If women went topless regularly, boys wouldn't gleefully freak out at a nip-slip, and this would be a non-issue.

Debbie H. on H-F Patch Facebook: Scary that parents are demanding the right for their 13 year old daughters to expose more flesh. 

Kate D. on H-F Patch Facebook: I don't have a problem with school dress codes that prevent 13 year old girls from dressing like 20 year olds. (Or that insist pants actually cover underpants, but that's a whole 'nother story.)

Cheryl F. on Evergreen Park Patch Facebook: My daughter is not allowed to wear a stapless dress to her 8th grade social. Homer Glen, IL. Minimum of 1 inch straps.

We want to know your feelings on school dance dress attire. Share your thoughts in the comments.