It is a long-standing rule in schools that students are not allowed to wear hats.

The reason behind this is mainly due to two issues.

Hats can obscure the face which is a potential security risk. Perhaps the design on the hat or the hat itself symbolizes an offensive statement or represents a gang affiliation.

However, in today’s modern world, these rules should be more lenient.

The argument of hats obscuring the face and/or other security risks is an outdated claim. There are numerous ways to combat risks.

Yes, the school rule is implemented for protection, but there are alternative ways to combat security threats.

Security systems have been upgraded, cameras are much higher quality, and school officials have an accurate list of all active students. In an age of social media, some threats can be stopped before they are even carried out. Hats, more often than not, just cover a bad hair day or protect from sunlight.

Baseball caps, in particular, have multiple functions. Of course, the aforementioned bad hair cover up or sunlight blocker are common.

Excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to cancer and other harmful diseases. Sunlight in the eyes, in extreme cases, can cause blindness. Caps can add protection as the brim protects the eyes from sunlight, and the cap itself protects the scalp.

During outdoor P.E. classes, a cap would be quite handy.

Hats can also be a form of self-expression.

Not only baseball caps, but many other caps can represent how a person feels and/or what he or she believes in. The design of the hat can also be a form of self-expression. Perhaps a favorite tv show or a sports team, or a personal hero is known for wearing a type of hat.

Hats are a way for a person to express themselves, and students should not be silenced.