05.14.08
School Dress Codes Absurd
The limitations to what kids can wear to school these days has gone too far in my opinion. When a student has to have a wardrobe that lacks primary colors, there is a problem.
The issue of dress code at public schools is the target of a lawsuit in Las Vegas. The American Civil Liberties Union took on the Clark County School District when a teenage girl was suspended from school for wearing a shirt with religious symbols. Seriously? Yes, seriously.
Schools in Clark County can adopt dress code policies that students must adhere to. Let me tell you how ridiculous some of these policies are. My nephew, who is a sophomore at Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, cannot wear any clothing that is red, orange, purple, pink or maroon. Blue jeans are also banned. Is that necessary? Can you imagine going shopping for school clothes and having to look for shirts, pants and shoes that exclude the above? Not only is that a task in itself, but how boring and ridiculously stupid.
What I’m saying here is that I support the ACLU’s argument that “The lesson from this particular decision may be that the Supreme Court, when it said ’students don’t lose their constitutional right at the schoolhouse door,’ may no longer apply.”
When I was in school, which was only 13 years ago, wearing cut off jean shorts and shirts exposing the bare midriff were the extent of getting sent to the office. Vulgar language and nudity on clothing was also a no-no. But, the rules have gone too far. I definitely agree there should be a limit to what kids should and should not wear to school. No doubt there are too many 12 year olds running around like they’re Pamela Anderson (minus 30 years), but to limit color and blue jeans from the classroom is just bullshit.
The local chapter of the ACLU is vowing to fight the federal court of appeals decision in the aforementioned case. It will probably lose, but maybe this will get parents talking about school districts’ bureacractic policies. Besides, school leaders should be focusing on education; teaching kids to read, write and speak proper English… not to mention keeping sexual predators out of the classroom. Especially here in Clark County, Nevada.
05.13.08
Busy Bee
Life is full of surprises and ups and downs. This past month has been so busy for me, as I have been experiencing surprises and my share of ups and downs. I’ll fill you in…
I am leaving my job as a Media Specialist for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a career with the Las Vegas Valley Water District. Apparently I like working for places with looooong names! Anywho, I will be the Assistant Public Information Coordinator, in which I will produce the organization’s monthly TV program, “Water Ways.” While I truly liked my job in the tourism industry, going to the water district will allow me to write and produce more! I am very excited about this new endeavour. That was my surprise, mainly because I wasn’t looking to leave the LVCVA, but it was an opportunity that presented itself, and I had to jump on it.
The same week I was offered the new job, my sister landed a new job… out of state. That is huge in my family. We are women of three. My mom, sister and me. We have never been apart, except for my four years in college in Reno. It was in-state, so it doesn’t count. But, my sister will be moving to Oregon in a few weeks and my heart is already aching. I am so proud of her, and she is taking on such a wonderful opportunity that I can’t fault her. But, I am only starting to imagine what life will be like without her living just minutes from me. I hope that the distance will only bond us more, and I am looking forward to fun trips to Oregon! I will miss you Michelle. That was my up and down.
Other than those two big changes in my life, I am keeping pretty busy. Every weekend has been a gathering with friends or some other commitment, and it looks like I won’t be taking a break until mid-June. Next up is a weekend trip with my husband to L.A. for my birthday. We have tickets to the Cubs game against the Dodgers. I am from Illinois originally so I am a Cubs fan by nature. It’s also my way of feeling close to my father, who was a die-hard Chicago fan. I know he’ll be there… watching the game with Kyle and me. :)