Classroom Cover-Up - student dress codes

Current Events, Sept 28, 2001

More and more schools require dress codes

WHEN STUDENTS at Sablatura Middle School in Pearland, Texas, started school this year, administrators suggested certain items for students to leave off their back-to-school lists. Students could shop for notebooks, pencils, and binders, but they should leave halter tops, "hip-hugger" jeans, and shorts at home. The school recently implemented a dress code that prohibits certain types of clothing at school.

Sablatura's dress code allows students to wear slacks in one of three colors: navy, black, or khaki. Shirts must be solid-colored with a collar and no logo. Sablatura's policy is similar to other such codes in schools across the country, although dress code specifics vary from school to school.

One Dallas, Texas school prohibits pajamas as part of its dress code. At another Dallas school, the principal keeps a drawer full of belts to lend boys whose pants creep too low.

Many school officials say dress codes are a response to the trendy and often revealing teen fashions popularized by celebrities such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Bill Maxwell, the general area director for Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida, said, "We want [students] neat and well-groomed and covered up!"

Fashion Forward

Jordan Rogers, age 11, opposes the Sablatura dress code. When Jordan arrived at school this year, he wore clothing that didn't comply with the dress code. After receiving a verbal warning, Jordan decided to follow the rules. He continued his protest, however, by wearing a black armband to symbolize his opposition.

Chelsey Edwards, Jordan's mother, supports her son's protest--one that has caught on among other students as well. Edwards said, "The standardized dress policy directly contradicts what I am trying to teach my son about tolerance. My son has been subjected to daily harassment for wanting to be an individual."

John Krull, executive director of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, worries about public schools' interference in students' lives. Krull said, "Parents should be setting the standards for the kids, not the government."

Focus on Learning

Others, however, defend dress code policies. Pamela Petty, mother of a middle school student in Southfield, Mich., said, "I support the dress code. It lessens the competition of dressing between students, so the focus is back on [students'] studies."

Sam Loria, a middle school student in Livonia, Mich., agrees. "We should not be wearing stuff unfit for school. It's not the place for a fashion show," Sam said.

Lauren Lowrey, a student at Pearland Junior High West in Texas, said dress codes eliminate fashion peer pressure. "It's a lot better with the dress code," Lauren said, "No one says, `My clothes are better [than yours] ."

Are school dress code policies a good idea? Explain your answer.

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