Expect more cases like these to emerge. This reminds me of the district that proposed to install GPS devices under the skin to keep track of truant youth. What kind of political climate and culture allows for such ideas to surface? --Dr. Louie F. Rodriguez
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Tensions flare over Texas school dress code
© 2008 The Associated Press
Aug. 12, 2008, 1:59PM
GONZALES, Texas — Police were called to a school board meeting because of the loud protests of parents upset about a revamped dress code that includes prison-like jumpsuits for kids who don't comply.
Gonzales Independent School District superintendent Vic Salazar said that following the public comment period Monday night, a few members of the audience started yelling at school board members about the dress code. They were asked repeatedly to quiet down but would not, he said. Salazar didn't know who called the police.
"When it gets to be disruptive, we asked them to leave," Salazar said Tuesday. "They wouldn't be quiet. They were given an opportunity" to speak.
Capt. Gayle Autry of the Gonzales Police Department said two police officers arrived to keep order, stayed less than an hour and didn't arrest anyone.
The school district is implementing a revamped dress code that includes a ban on cargo pants and requires students to wear collared shirts. Those from fifth through 12th grade who don't obey may also be put in prison-style navy blue coveralls the district ordered from Texas Correctional Industries, the industrial arm of prison system.
District officials have emphasized that the coveralls are only an option aimed at allowing students to comply with the dress code and remain in the classroom. Parents can still bring students a change of clothes or students may still go to in-school suspension.
Salazar said the retooled dress code, approved in July, was not on Monday night's agenda, but that seven people spoke against it during the public comment period.
Gonzales is about 70 miles east of San Antonio.
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2 comments:
When I was in high school the only option when breaking the dress code was to either go into CSI or to call a parent and have them bring us clothes. I never broke the dress code because I did not want to spend the day in CSI and because my mom would be upset if she had to leave work to bring me clothes. Besides that it wasn't worth it if all I had to do was to wear the right clothes. Honestly I do not think that it is that serious that this school went out of its way to orde prison uniforms as an option for dress code offenders. There is too much emphasis being put on what students are wearing to school. I also understand that it is a matter of respect and there need to be limits on the students' behaviors but the same should apply to schools and schools districts.
Denise,
Thanks for sharing. It would be interesting to see how many students are sitting in any given CSI-setting because of dress code related issues. Just imagine how much is lost when students are removed from instructional time and placed in this setting?
-Dr. Louie F. Rodriguez
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