Ripped jeans get duct-tape treatment at Cape High

Fashionably ripped jeans at Cape High are fraying administrators' nerves as they try to enforce the district dress code.

“It is a pain. I hate being the fashion police,” said Mike Dmiterchik, assistant principal of Cape Henlopen High School, during the April 14 school board meeting.

“A lot of times I tell kids walking in to school, 'That's not going to fly.' Girls always want to wear the jeans with holes in them,” he said.

Ripped, frayed and torn clothing is this season's style, but Cape's student code of conduct is clear that ripped, frayed or torn clothing is not acceptable.

Nowadays it is hard to buy a new pair of jeans that doesn't have rips, frays or tears, said board member Jen Burton.

“It's a worn look that's been in fashion,” she said.

Cape High's solution to all those holes and rips: duct tape.

“We have duct tape that we put over the hole,” Dmiterchik said.

Burton said she is concerned administrators are burdened by dress code violations, but Dmiterchik cautioned against changing policy for fashion trends.

“In the long run, I think it makes us a better school,” he said.

On the subject of fashion trends, board President Andy Lewis said he has noticed a pajama look creeping into today's wardrobe choices. And, he said, he has seen Victoria's Secret advertising bras to be worn on the outside.

School policy clearly prohibits students from wearing pajamas and visible undergarments.

“I'd say we go with uniforms,” said Dmiterchik, while wearing a Claude Giroux jersey in support of the Flyers' play-off series against the Washington Capitals.

Board member Spencer Brittingham reminded everyone that he brought up the idea of a districtwide dress code in 2007 and 2012. Under his proposal, khaki bottoms would be paired with a solid top.

“Maybe we should revisit that very intelligent guy's suggestion,” he said.

No action was taken by the board, but following the meeting, Brittingham said he will suggest that the district Climate Committee address the ripped jean dilemma.