School dress code OK'd
The styles of clothing that Warren County students wear to school next year likely will be dramatically different from that seen in the halls and classrooms this year. That is because the board of education, during its regular meeting Monday night, approved a standardized dress code policy for all students, pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
Local parents and students will have the opportunity to give their opinion about what the dress code should be during a community meeting tentatively slated for May 22, but to be held prior to the board's May 27 work session. The specific date, time and location had not been determined at press time.
Dr. Ray Spain, superintendent of schools, described the forum as facilitated discussion in which participants will be divided into small groups.
"This will be a roundtable discussion with parents and students to engage community reaction and suggestions," he said.
The idea of a standardized, or uniform, dress code policy gained much attention during the 2006-07 school year, when a school system committee was formed to study the matter.
After visiting a number of schools with such policies in place, the committee, consisting of principals, teachers, parents and students presented their findings at a public forum in February 2007.
The committee reported that while principals and other educators found that having a standardized dress code policy reduced discipline problems and increased students' focus on their work, student enthusiasm about the dress requirements seemed to vary by age, with high school-age youth expressing the most disapproval.
Public reaction to a possible standardized dress code policy was mixed, with some people agreeing that it would reduce discipline problems and increase the focus on work. However, others said that having such a policy would, in effect, punish well-behaved students for the actions of a small minority of disruptive students.
The idea of a standardized dress code policy stalled in April 2007, when the board of education was set to vote on whether to move forward to develop a policy. At that time, a motion to move forward failed for lack of a second.
However, the idea of a standardized dress code policy came back to the forefront recently.
Spain said that local principals, and law enforcement officers, have expressed safety concerns after school administrators observed groups at the schools that distinguish themselves by the clothing they wear.
The board discussed the possibility of setting a policy at its April 28 work session and was set to review the policy at Monday's meeting for future action, but the board decided to take action then.
No board member voted in opposition of the policy, but board member Lynne Lassiter said that she wished to abstain from voting.
The policy calls for all students to wear school uniforms for reasons of safety, discipline and school unity. The uniforms would allow administrators and educators to easily determine who does and does not belong on campus.
The policy also states that uniforms "create a more disciplined environment by reducing negative competition and arguments over dress styles."
However, it also states that the policy would not prevent students from exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of expression. Parents who do not want their children to wear uniforms due to their religious beliefs or a medical condition would be able to express these reasons to the school principal. Students who wear the traditional dress of their religion would not be required to wear uniforms.
Even though the policy is now in place for next school year, there are many specifics that must be worked out between now and then. The upcoming community meeting will provide a starting place.
Points that the school system must consider will include what students will be allowed to wear to school. Last year's discussion showed a variety of colors, shirt, slacks and dress options.
The newly-approved policy prohibits the wearing of clothing "that is too large or too small, too short, or too revealing," and the school system must make this distinction.
The policy would provide clothing options that are inexpensive and available to all students.
Spain said that the school system will send more detailed information to all parents at the end of this school year so that they will have time to prepare for next year.
-The Warren Record
I say:
1. They express concern about safety after seeing some students distinguish themselves by their clothes? Well at least they arn't doing it by killing each other! Strike 1
2. Uniforms for safety, and unity? Why safety? I haven't seen anyone hurt each other for their clothes, and I live in Texas, where you may may maybe could expect this kind of thing. Strike 2
3. What is "too large, too small, too short," or "too revealing"? All I know about their dress code is that it's too vauge! Strike 3, you're out.
Your dress code is unconstitutional by all means. Hopefully someone (with a brain!) sues you.


