For many years, Loyola has prided itself on discipline and a strict dress code, but in past school years, it has gotten out of hand. This year, students are facing new, strict policies with the updated dress code and tardy policies.
However, with students accustomed to bending the rules, the question still stands: Will students actually adhere to these new rules?
In past years, the enforcement of the dress code and tardy rules was relatively relaxed. Many students got away with wearing shirts or jeans, which pushed the limits. Now, however, new rules have made it clear: Jeans, sweats, and other casual attire are off-limits.
On the other hand, students arriving late to class without a valid excuse risk consequences, such as not being able to drive. Our school hopes this will encourage punctuality and maintain Loyola’s reputation for excellence.
These changes have sparked a range of opinions across campus. Some students view the new policies as too harsh, while others admit that the rules bring a needed sense of order.
In response to these changes, Lake Murnane ’27 noted that students may be most concerned about the practical consequences, especially driving. “I think kids from school will fear the repercussions, especially about driving. I think the dress code is reliant on the teacher, but I believe the dress code is not that strictly enforced, so I think overall, kids will have a slight boost in care of dress attire,” he said.
The stricter rules could reshape daily life at Loyola. Already, mornings on campus look different, with more students double-checking their shirts before homeroom and arriving to class earlier to avoid being marked late.
For some, it has added stress to their routines, while others say it has created a sharper, more unified look across campus. For students who relied on jeans as a staple, adjusting may feel like a hassle. For our latecomers, the new tardy rules may serve as a wake-up call, as students must go to the office first.
But supporters of the policies argue that the changes can create accountability, which has left students divided. Some view the change as a necessary step toward accountability, while others feel it strips away comfort and individuality. The mixed reactions highlight the challenge of enforcing rules in a way that balances discipline with student morale.
Some students have focused on the new tardy rules as being particularly unfair. “The tardies are too harsh. We should still have the 15-minute grace period; we should be able to at least wear jeans and abide by the collared shirt rules.” Aleksander Rude ’27 argued.
As the semester continues, Loyola will see whether students adapt to this new level of discipline or if pushback forces a change. The new rules may seem small, but they reflect a larger question: How much is too much? Ultimately, Loyola’s mission is to form young men for and with others, and the way these rules are received will say a lot about how discipline, responsibility, and student voice fit into that mission.
