A simple email intended to clear up the rules for students resulted in outcry about the dress code and formal dance protocol. The email informed students that inappropriate dancing, such as grinding and twerking, is banned from school-sponsored events. It also included an attached slideshow detailing the unchanged dress code.

Dean of Students Wilbur Borrero said the outburst from students, mostly through social media and email responses, has been balanced.

“I think more kids are happy with the changes than have vocalized,” Borrero said. “It’s great to hear from the student body. I’ve only seen the emails, and I think the opinions have gone both ways.”

Though some students question the need for a dress code lesson to go out in winter, Borrero said it’s always a problem among administration. Inappropriate dancing at formals is also an ongoing issue, and the changes resulted from input from parent groups and administration concerns. Borrero cited Warren High School as a model for Antioch’s new policies.

“We want our kids to have fun, but we’re not at a club,” he said. “Ultimately, we have to remember we’re still a high school.”

Sophomore Lindsey Sherman protested the dress code by wearing her bra on the outside of her shirt.

“It’s no secret girls wear bras,” she said. “I think it would be a reflection of this town letting people express themselves.”

Sherman was asked to change and returned to class.

“If they want us to get the message, we got the message,” Borrero said, addressing all other forms of protest students have in the making.

Borrero said he welcomes further conversation and admits he is willing to change his stance if students present a convincing argument. He said he would adjust the images in the slideshow, saying they were poor choices.

“The examples we put out there weren’t the best, and that’s on me,” he said.

He and other administrators will host a question-and-answer session in the auditorium on Thursday during lunch hours if students have further concerns.