This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I feel the need as a teacher at Bingham High to address the misinformation and overreaction that has been published in the "legitimate" as well as social media circles. Let's begin with the facts: The dress code was well publicized and repeatedly given to the students and parents. Secondly, over 900 students attended the homecoming dance, approximately 24 students were dress coded and 4 refused to alter what they were wearing to be admitted.
The girls were spoken to in a kind manner and not "shamed" as stated in your editorial on Sept. 24, "Students shouldn't be 'slut shamed' by school." I understand that headlines are more interesting when they are sensationalized and that no one wants to read an article about students needing to follow the rules.
Our principal Ms. Chris Richards-Khong is an extraordinary administrator who is committed to students succeeding both in school and after they leave. She has an open door policy and has encouraged students to come and talk to her if they have concerns about anything, including the dress code. These girls chose instead to take their chances at the door and when it didn't work got their 15 minutes of fame with the media encouraging it.
The life lesson here is that there are proper channels to go through if you disagree with something. Civil disobedience is the final act, not the first.
Michelle Robbins
Bingham High theater teacher