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.
Dayna said,
May 15, 2008 at 10:21 am
“shirts exposing your midriff” ha ha- Remember HALF shirts!? Even guys would wear them, gross!
I agree, I am shocked about the colors…. I have never heard of such a thing. And I had no clue kids couldn’t wear jeans.
I do like the fact that kids should keep themselves neat and clean for school (because some don’t) but I think it’s up to the parents to see what their kids are walking out the door wearing.
Interesting story to follow!
Teresa said,
September 8, 2008 at 9:06 am
I was not happy that the standard student attire passed after I went to the trouble to do some research and send in my ballot, but I was prepared to live with it. Now however I am getting more angry every time I think about it. It is only the third week of school and there are changes to the policy already. For instance layers are not allowed, but a sweater worn over a polo is ok, and a oxford over a undershirt is ok as long as it is not deemed a tank top. Now they have decided that coats and jackets can only be one of the school colors as well. The only thing that is on the written policy is jackets/coats must be free of all words, pictures, studs, jewels and brand logos. I am now expected to go out and spend an additional 60-80 dollars to buy each of my children a new coat because they have now changed the policy and there is no one higher to appeal to. My son tells me that they are not enforcing the rule that clothing has to fit the person wearing it, so the kids are still walking around in gang banger attire.One of the reasons for the policy is to make it more difficult for students to bring in guns and weapons. What is a parent supposed to do.
David said,
November 2, 2008 at 4:31 pm
This is getting worse by the week it seems for dress code rules. Schools now go to great lengths to make new rules that are nonsensical.
The kids these days though, do not care as a whole. Not many are taking the time to stand up. The parents just sit by, sucking their thumbs and going with anything.
Check out http://www.pedolgroup.com – you’ll find a ton of dress code silliness there.