Teen fights dress code ...

@ebsharer (5515)
United States
May 11, 2009 7:37am CST
So I was reading this morning on foxnews.com and came across this artical ... [i]YUMA, Ariz. — Justin Wright wants his Arizona middle school to do the right thing by letting students choose their own school clothes. The (Yuma) Sun reported online Saturday that 14-year-old Justin has collected 250 signatures from fellow students at Centennial Middle School to repeal the dress code. He says the policy violates students' free speech rights and costs families more money to buy special clothing for school. Crane school district spokesman Chris Weigel says students' rights aren't being infringed upon and research shows uniforms are less expensive than street clothes. The school requires students to wear solid navy, red or white shirts and bottoms in khaki, navy or denim. Flip flops, high-heeled shoes or shoes with wheels on the bottom are banned.[/i] What are your thoughts? Everyone has gone to school so this discussion is for both parents and non-parents. My thoughts are that there should be uniforms. I mean really its not like they all have to wear white shirts and blue pants with some school logo on it or anything at least they have some variety. It is cheaper for parents to buy uniforms then regular clothing. Yes parents will have to buy both uniforms and street clothing but in the long run I still think its cheaper to buy uniforms. At least they can wear jeans! Some dress codes don't even allow that!
7 responses
@sammyspam (374)
• Australia
11 May 09
I think this is just another case of school children complaining about what they don't fully understand. I have been through school, my school had a very strict dress code and im thankful for it. Having a dress code helps setup children for the workplace, 99% of workplaces require you to wear a uninform, so why not get into the habit early? As for the cost, school uniforms are generally cheaper and since you wear the same thing everyday you dont need to constantly buy new clothes, which is what school children would want to do, because they cant wear the same casual clothes everyday. Impacting on their free speech rights? They dont understand what they are talking about. If they lived in a country without free speech (corrupt and evil goverment perhaps) they would have been shot/kidnapped already for complaining against something. (Harsh point but a very good comparison).
2 people like this
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
12 May 09
I agree that a uniform is the better way to go. While I don’t agree that 99% of workplaces have a set uniform I do agree that most at the least have a dress code. I am personally lucky in my workplace that I can wear jeans and a shirt. I have been in jobs that required me to dress business, dress casual, and so on. What I am saying is I agree whole heartedly about school is teaching you about “life” including wearing what some one tells you to. I shouldn’t even get started on the “free speech crap” because speech comes from your mouth not your clothing! Thanks for the great response!
1 person likes this
• Australia
12 May 09
No problem, its a very interesting discussion. On the 99% I didnt mean that as a strict dress code, I just meant that 99% of places require a certain dress type. At least here in Australia all workplaces either have a uniform or set rules about what to wear, even if they arent too strict. I cant think of any workplace that allows people to just wear whatever.
1 person likes this
@suzzy3 (8342)
11 May 09
School uniforms are a great leveller no one looks and different to anyone else,you go to school to learn,If you are worried you won't have the latest fashion how can you learn.Poorer kids would get bullied and that is so unkind.School uniform is normally more hard wearing than street clothes.School uniform is a good idea as far as I am concerned .My son wears white shirt,mid grey trousers ,blazer and a tie,with black solid shoes.He looks extremely smart and looks like he is going off to learn with the right attitude.If this Justin was to go to work he would need to wear the uniform of the job anyway good way to get them used to it,My son wears what he wants over the weekend and all through the holidays.Teens need something to rebel against he will learn just like the rest of us,we have all tried it on in our time at school.I am with you uniform for many good reasons.x
2 people like this
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
12 May 09
I totally agree that any type of uniform is a leveller. I also agree that uniforms help with "bullies".
@marcialoyd (1173)
• United States
12 May 09
I had never thought about it but I agree with the person that said it is preparing them for the workforce. It is true that most employers will require a uniform. Complaining to your boss wouldn't do you any good. You would either wear the required uniform or not have a job. I don't get where he thinks what he wears affects his freedom of speech. His mouth still works no matter what hes wearing so he still has the right to freedom of speech. lol. I also agree that school uniforms assist in reducing bullying in the schools. Kids will not be teased for not having the latest in style fashions.
1 person likes this
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
12 May 09
LOL I agree his mouth still works maybe someone should take away his freedom of speech for a week ... then see how much he cares about this very relaxed uniform! I say wear a bracelte or necklace!!!
• United States
11 May 09
I think that those kids are lucky to get to wear denim. The dress code where I am requires that khaki is the only acceptable pants color and that all shirts must be tucked in. I think that if a school or a district is going to require that the students wear uniforms then all parents should have to buy the clothes from one source. A company that carries all sizes from chilrens to plus sizes and all shoe sizes and this company should be selected by the lowest bidder system and have a payment plan for families who cannot afford to pay for it all up front. Where I am the schools have uniforms but because of the many different places that yiou can buy the clothes it defetes the purpose of determining gang clothing and reducing peer presure. Not only that but if all the students recieved their clothes from the same source then labels would not have to be removed and shirts would be long enough to tuck in. I understand that the students want to be able to express themselves but I think that their expression would be better put to use through means of grades and what they do not what they wear.
1 person likes this
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
12 May 09
I agree! When I went to school in Florida we wern't allowed sleevless shirt or shorts! I don't agree that you should have to buy from one source I think that having the option to purchase from any store is better on the pocket (money wise). As for the "expression" part thats what accesorises are for. Wear a braclet or necklace to express your self!
@eponiine (141)
• United States
11 May 09
I'm sick of hearing students complain a dress code violates their freedom of expression. It's a school. You can wear whatever you want on the street. Besides, school in some ways is meant to prepare you for the workplace, and guess what, there will be a dress code. I actually think uniforms might be helpful. It would take a lot of emphasis away from the superficial and students could more easily focus on what they're there to do, AND it would be less expensive.
1 person likes this
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
12 May 09
I agree agree and agree with you! I really couldn't have put it better myslef!
• United States
11 May 09
They're allowed to wear jeans?! That's not too bad of a dress code--my sister's school is very strict. For years they only allowed 2 or 3 different colored polo shirts, they had to have belts, and you could ONLY wear khaki dress pants or skirts. My mom had a ton of problems getting grass stains out of my sister's khakis (she was seven, which apparently equals messy). Unless the polo shirts have to have the school logo on them, they can't be that expensive. This would end up being a lot cheaper and easier for most parents, who already have to pay for tuition.
1 person likes this
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
12 May 09
That's what I said! Its a pretty relaxed uniform! Those kids need to shut up and deal with it. You don't always get what you want from life ... this is the perfect time to learn that lesson!
@tundeemma (894)
• South Africa
12 May 09
i think those teens have every right to protest such unfavourable dress code,sometimes i wonder what the motive behind such dress codes are and students should not be allowed to dress in their usual ways, it definitely has nothing to do with identification or discipline
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
12 May 09
your the ONLY one that agrees with the kid you must be one too!