‘Oppressive’: Philadelphia students walk out over dress code enforcement controversy

Students at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts walked out of class on Monday to protest what they describe as unfair and inconsistent enforcement of the school’s dress code.

Dozens of students participated in the demonstration on April 20 following a recent controversy tied to how the policy has been enforced.

“The dress code is oppressive,” student Nina Stalow said.

The issue stems from an April 13, 2026, letter sent by CAPA administrators to families that outlined what students can and cannot wear.

The letter stated that students deemed inappropriately dressed would receive a phone call home and parents would be asked to bring a change of clothing to the school.

The Philadelphia School District said the goal of the policy is to keep the focus on students’ academic growth.

However, concerns escalated after an incident last week.

Officials reported that students who violated the dress code were redirected to the school’s cafeteria to address clothing concerns — despite district policy stating that no student may be excluded from the classroom for a dress code violation.

Levy Bermea, a senior at CAPA, said she was among the 30 girls who were flagged and held for over an hour.

“The room was primarily made up of black curvier women and it was all women. There was not a single boy in there,” Bermea said. “I am happy that our community is so collaborative but I am upset that the administration is enforcing this in an incredibly wrong way.”

A video shared with NBC10 appears to be from that meeting and shows a confrontation between a staff member and students over the dress code.

Since the incident, students have organized protests, including a demonstration in the school’s lunchroom.

Some students have also taken to social media calling the dress code enforcement sexist and alleging it disproportionately targets certain students.

CAPA officials say dressing inappropriately can pose a safety risk.

“I think generally shorts being too short is not going to keep us safe I think people are going to do things no matter what we are wearing,” said student Eliana Byker.

The current prohibited clothing list includes see-through garments, plunging fronts and open backs. It also requires that shorts, skirts and dresses cover undergarments and reach mid-thigh.

Some students are now calling for the dress code to be revised.

“This isn’t the CAPA I thought I was going into and it shouldn’t be the CAPA that I should be leaving at the end of the school year,” Stalow said.

NBC10 reached out to the Philadelphia School District regarding Monday’s walkout. A response referenced the previously shared letter to the school community.

The district says the school will hold town halls and listening sessions to address the issue.