The dress code argument just never stops

http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2008/apr/24/ha-dress-code-for-schools-draws-heat/?news

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23596713-38198,00.html?from=public_rss

Two more stories on court cases addressing school dress codes and student’s freedom of expression. These two news stories are just from yesterday and today, it puts into focus how often dress code becomes a huge deal in schools. The first news story is about a middle school dress code very similar to the one we have in Rock Hill. A local parent is very upset with the freedoms being taken away from his child and is promising to take the school district to court if the new dress code is put into place. I thought the most interesting aspect of the article was the mention of an “opt-out” clause. The general idea being that children would not have to abide by the dress code if their parents thought it was to limiting. What then is the point in having any dress code if parents can override the school rules? I am a strong proponent of allowing children to freely express themselves and I do not think strict dress codes and uniforms help very much. I do, however, think that children need some guidance and the guidance received from parents is not always adequate.

The second article addresses an anti-gay t-shirt that the court ruled a student was allowed to wear. I found this rather interesting since all the cases I found while researching freedom of expression ruled against students wearing things that were anti-gay. The ruling said the slogan “be happy, not gay” was “only tepidly negative'' and therefore was not going to cause too much disruption in the school. Freedom of expression is such a muddy area and I can’t say I have anywhere near a firm answer on what is acceptable or not. The only conclusion I have come to so far is tred VERY lightly when it comes to your student’s freedom to express themselves.

Day of SIlence 2008

Here's another example of student freedom of expression that I just saw a clip on the news about that I feel is of very recent relevant importance.

http://www.dayofsilence.org/

It is in a day in honor of 8th grader, Lawrence King, who was killed by classmates because he of his sexual orientation and gender expression. It is to encourage school administration, teachers, and students to address anti-LGBT behavior and issues.

I wonder if any parent or student will try to protest this statement...