Rules and regulations are often put in place to maintain order, safety, and efficiency in schools and workplaces. However, occasionally, even the most well-intentioned rules can have unforeseen consequences, leading to unexpected outcomes. Now, let’s delve into the realm of institutional policies and explore instances where a seemingly harmless rule ended up backfiring spectacularly, causing more harm than good. From school dress codes to workplace attendance policies, we uncover how one rule intended to streamline operations or promote certain values can inadvertently create chaos, dissent, and frustration among those it was meant to govern.