By LESLIE DOTY
In a recent survey for the 2008-’09 school year Anderson Community School Corp. asked if parents are in favor or not in favor of the uniform dress code. Due to the extra cost incurred by many families in an economically depressed area, I am not in favor of the code. The cost of uniforms is generally higher than other clothing. We have four children and I can find everyday clothing on sale or on clearance. You can’t find uniforms during the year to replenish worn ones (especially in slim size).
Not everyone has access to a computer in order to purchase uniforms. Retail stores specializing in uniforms charge two or three times more in order to make a profit, and rarely is uniform clothing found on sale. If the uniform dress code stays in effect, then we need to be sure uniforms can be purchased during the entire school year.
ACS added suggested changes or adaptations to the present code. They referred to ties (not required for males) and belts for kindergartners. My answer to these is no. A tie can be used to harm someone by choking or strangulation. Belts for kindergartners is not a good idea because accidents do happen and younger children can’t always unfasten belts as quickly as do others.
Our children attended both public and private schools. I feel there should be an appropriate dress code for both students and staff. Schools seem to have forgotten that their clients are students and without them schools, school boards and school districts would be unnecessary.
Schools need to worry about providing students with top notch or “cutting edge” educations, not about whether their clothing is a distraction. I do agree that students look best in tasteful attire, with belts worn so pants do not droop and butt cracks are visible. (This is distasteful and shame on you parents for allowing it.)
Focus on real world academics;, the things our children will use in today’s society. Teach them how to function in society, where there are plenty of distractions they will have to learn to deal with. As they mature, children will learn that society adheres to no special dress code, unless it is required by your profession. School Board members need to remember that teachers are there for the kids, not the other way around.
Without other discipline policies, dress codes adopted by schools have no effect on safety, violence or student achievement. Dress codes teach an undesirable lesson about individuality and making choices based on internal values.
The drive for mandatory uniform dress codes occurs mostly in disadvantaged, poor and minority schools and school districts that have low levels of parental involvement.
Leslie Doty is a resident of Anderson.
xLifestyle Columns
May 28, 2008
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