With stricter dress code enforcement policies in place, many students wondered if any concessions would be made for colder weather. The Nov. 5 email sent by the Deans of Students Erin Cernuda and Sarah Phillips confirmed that no exceptions would be made, regardless of drops in temperature.
“There will be no dress-down exceptions for cold weather this year,” Cernuda said. “We’re following the uniform policy as written.”
The decision ended any speculation on the part of students regarding being allowed to wear sweatpants or any alternative outerwear during colder mornings. According to the Deans, the current rules outlined in the Student Handbook remain in effect, regardless of situations where temperatures take a noticeable dip. The email surprised some students, especially in light of the recent early cold front on Nov. 11, with temperatures dipping to 48 degrees in the morning and reaching highs in the 60s throughout the day.
“As someone who has been here since middle school, I remember that we could wear sweatpants when it was cold, so I thought we would be allowed to do the same on the few freezing mornings,” senior Martina Hernandez said.
According to Dean of Student Life Tyrone Sandaal, modifications to the dress code on cold days were allowed in the past for students who met behavioral expectations, in an effort to reward responsibility and compliance while still maintaining the school’s professional dress standards.
“The idea was always to find a middle ground,” Sandaal said. “A lot of students were cold in the mornings, especially those who didn’t own uniform pants, so we tried to meet them halfway.”
Sandaal explained that while the rule was meant to offer students a small compromise, it became difficult to manage.
“What ended up happening was that if sweatpants were allowed one day, students kept wearing them even after the weather warmed up. Any time we relaxed the rules, it was met with noncompliance,” Sandaal said.
The school’s uniform provider, Risse Brothers, sells Gulliver-branded sweatpants, which have some students confused as to their purpose. According to Jose Ortega, students and parents assumed they would be permitted for days like this.
“If the sweatpants are Gulliver-branded, I don’t see why we can’t wear them on cold days,” Ortega said. “It’s still part of the school’s clothing, just a warmer option.”
However, when asked about this, the Deans clarified that those sweatpants are intended only for athletics.
“I’m not sure why the uniform store even provides those sweatpants. They’re intended for athletics, not daily wear, and they don’t meet the standard we expect for the school uniform.” Phillips said. “Sweatpants are a sloppy look. We’re a college-preparatory private school with a uniform policy, and we want students to look the part.”
Nicolas Sacerdote agreed.
“If everyone starts wearing sweatpants, it can look sloppy across campus,” Sacerdote said. “When families are touring, it might give the wrong impression of ho
w students dress, so keeping a professional look is important.”
Other students questioned the decision, pointing to allowed “dress down” days events such as Spirit Week, special game days, and cultural celebrations.
“It’s frustrating that we can dress out for Spirit Week or game days but not for cold weather,” Hernandez said. “Those are fun days, but this is about getting through a whole school day in the cold. We’re not asking to wear anything off-uniform. Gulliver-provided sweatpants would be fine.”
According to the Deans, special events are unrelated to the daily dress code requirements.
“Those events are special privileges,” Phillips said. “They don’t change the overall expectations for regular school days.”
While Florida’s winters are mild compared to others, some students say the uniform pants are uncomfortable to wear on colder days.
“The uniform pants are fine if the weather’s above 70 [degrees],” senior Valentina Ruiz said. “But on colder days when it’s between 40-60 degrees, it’s too cold even with a hoodie on inside the classroom.”
The Deans both emphasized that while they understand students’ concerns, consistency and appearance remain the priority going forward. They have encouraged students to stay within the new uniform guidelines and plan accordingly for the cold weather.
“Our dress code is already very lenient compared to other private schools. We offer a wide variety of options, and we expect students to follow them,” Phillips said.
