Cathedral Prep has announced a change in its student dress code for the second and third quarters of this school year. From now on at Prep, the school will no longer require male students to wear dress shirts and ties. Instead, they’ll be able to continue wearing the more preferred polo shirts, inspired by changing views on business attire. 

“We noticed that the girls at our school have been allowed to wear polos all year,” said Mr. Herbstritt. “We took local businesses into consideration, and we felt boys could wear polo shirts all year around. Today, most workplaces are embracing business casual attire, reserving ties and formal wear for important meetings or special events.” 

The decision on changing the dress code was not a one-person decision. The school’s Academic Advisory Council, a committee made up of faculty members and administrators, brought up the change in monthly meetings. Council members talked about the proposal within their departments, gathering input and from staff members so that everyone’s opinion was considered. Luckily for the men at Prep they were given good results. The school found strong support for the change, starting the beginning of a less formal dress code this winter and in years to come. 

Although dress shirts and ties are off the daily requirement, Prep will still hold dress uniform days on Mass days as well as special events throughout the school year. Additionally, Prep’s administration hinted that this might not be the only change with discussions ongoing about future updates to the school uniform policy. 

Students like sophomore Benjamin Camera are thrilled about the adjustment.  

“I’m really happy about the change,” he said. “I never liked tying my tie every day.”  

For many students, the relaxed uniform brings a welcome sense of comfort to the school day.