Sunday, September 1, 2002

Maine Dress Codes Balance Learning and Expression Maine school districts are instituting written dress codes to avoid class distraction in what this article calls a "sex-sells/MTV culture." The article highlights the fact that an established dress code is the fairest way to have a dress policy at a school, because it does not leave dress standards up to individual teachers' tastes. The Supreme Court has ruled that schools can set dress codes within reason, despite freedom of expression issues. Louise Roback, MCLU executive director: "'The school exists to educate kids,' she said. 'We don't quarrel with the finding that sexually revealing clothing can be disruptive. We're not going to battle over that.' A case could be made for wearing T-shirts with controversial messages on them, she said. 'Sometimes government and schools prohibit things because it's just embarrassing, that they're just a little uncomfortable,' she said. 'Schools are overreaching when they try to impose excessive conformity, like with uniforms,' she said. 'If they're just trying to keep up with the latest 16-year-old TV star, it's not really on our radar screen.'" Nonetheless, students don't see the need, says Miranda Peters, a senior at Brunswick High School: "'They say it's a distraction to us, but it's really not a problem.'" [Portland Press Herald] 5:08:26 PM