Commentary; Posted: 4/14/04

Dress codes for students send a positive message

By Don Heinzman

The fashion trends and what is appropriate attire for high school students, particularly in the spring, are always challenging to school administrators.

Most high school student dress codes are written in general language, allowing students to wear what they feel like, and whatís in fashion. Most teachers and administrators would rather not specify what is acceptable attire to wear to school. They would rather enforce standards on a case-by-case basis.

At St. Francis High School in northern Anoka County, however, administrators decided to organize a task force of teachers, administrators and students to develop a dress code that was more specific yet didnít violate a students right to express themselves.

Included were five students who wore different styles.

The task force realized the dress code was too vague and too general to attack the problem of changing the ways kids are dressing for classes. As one committee member said, ìThe major problem is girls were showing too much.î

A dress code was needed to provide more guidance so that it could be enforced.

Furthermore, all agreed that since students were required to attend a public school they all had a right to feel safe, and not to be distracted by what other kids were wearing and what messages were inscribed on the back of their T-shirts.

The committee examined dress codes from neighboring and out-of-state schools, and decided to spell out what could be worn to school.

What is fashionableóshort, short skirts, low-cut shirts and pantsówas not necessarily appropriate in school.

The new dress code specifically bans see-through tops, tube tops, tops that show cleavage, backless and strapless tops, short shorts; short skirts, half shirts, exposed midriffs, exposed undergarments and any item of apparel that is offensive, inappropriate or sexually suggestive.

It also bans spikes, chains of excessive length or any item that could be perceived as a weapon.

Furthermore, items of clothing are banned that include racially derogatory statements, language or pictures conveying explicit or implied obscenities or sexual references and clothing that promotes the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco products violence or illegal acts.

Some students argued that they should be able to express themselves in the way they dress.

One parent answered that students have many other hours of the week and weekends to dress in their individual choices.

Thereís some teeth in the enforcement of the code.

Those who come to school in attire that is banned by the code have options of trading what they are wearing for either another shirt in their locker, one borrowed by another student, or for one brought from home by a parent.

If the student chooses to go home and get another outfit, they are charged with an unexcused absence.

What St. Francis High School has done might be replicated by other high schools whose students have a right to feel safe, unintimidated and undistracted as they pursue an education.

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