Aug. 8, 2022, marked a heroic victory for every male teacher at Chapman.

Teachers stood up and applauded as principal Andrew McMillan formally announced the ending of an era: Male teachers no longer have to wear ties with their dress shirts. 

This announcement started a celebration like no other for the teachers who’d been subjected to ties for years.

Chapman’s teacher dress code has always been very professional, specifically for the male teachers: dress shoes, dress pants, a button-down shirt, and – until now – a tie. Although removing the tie from the ensemble may not seem like a big deal, for many teachers it is revolutionary.

“I feel very happy,” history teacher Chris Dowdell said. “I always thought ties were too uncomfortable. I likened it to being strangled by a very weak person all day.”

There are admittedly some male teachers still wearing ties, but they are in the minority.

“I’m happy for the guys that don’t have to wear ties,” McMillan said, “But male teachers still need to do a good job upholding the dress code, and I think they do, our female teachers always look professional. 

On Aug. 23, McMillan was seen wearing a black bowtie with a single yellow stripe as he surveyed the school from the main hallway.

“It’s different for administrators,” he said. “We have to look professional because we’re put in places where we represent Chapman. But of course, there are still days I won’t wear a tie.”

The students are mostly indifferent to the new dress code.

“I haven’t noticed them not wearing ties,” sophomore Exzaver Crawford said. “I don’t really pay attention to what the teachers wear.”

English teacher Andy Lopez said that he is grateful not to have to wear a tie this year. 

“It was a joy to learn that ties would no longer be required this year for teachers,” Lopez said via e-mail. “If you have ever tried to put on a tie in the dark, let me tell you, it’s knot a small task. But seriously, no longer constrained by the sartorial noose around my neck, I feel like I can breathe easy as I can focus on my content and not if my Windsor is askew.”