Another School District Attempts to Institute Red, White and Blue Dress Code, Backs Off

BY ROGER SANDS
The Patriot-News
Aug. 23, 2007

Lebanon School District students have a new dress code, effective in January.

The code adopted by the school board in a 5-3 vote Monday night requires students to wear collared shirts, blouses or turtlenecks. T-shirts are banned, as are sweatshirts other than those of the school district. No insignia, other than school district insignia or a small manufacturer's trademark, are allowed on tops.

Earlier versions of the policy had limited the colors to blue, red or white, but the code adopted Monday night allows other colors.

Slacks, skirts, skorts, jumpers, shorts and Capris are allowed in navy blue, khaki, brown or black. Jeans are allowed in elementary schools only.

Jackets, coats and most headwear may not be worn in school.

School officials might allow exceptions based on religion or economic distress.

The vote came after a lengthy debate during which most of the 25 or so residents in attendance spoke. Opinions were mixed.

Nathan Winterstein, father of a student, was strongly opposed. "I can't imagine that grades will be better based on clothing," he said.

Luisa Perez, a high school senior, disagreed. "Grades will improve. It will help us all get along better," she said.

Some speakers argued in favor of anything that would help school safety, but others questioned how a dress code could make an already safe school system any safer.

Enforcement was also a popular topic. All agreed that enforcing the policy was critical, but opponents of the new policy felt it was not needed and that enforcing current policy would be sufficient.

Board members Peter N. Pyles Jr., Thomas Schaffer, and John P. Shott voted against the proposed code.

In another matter, the school board approved a $10,000 per month contract with Stevens & Lee, Lawyers and Consultants, to represent the district in its efforts to restore and continue state funding for its alternative education program.