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Dress code is a good idea

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  • Originally published April 24, 2008 at 5:53 p.m., updated April 24, 2008 at 5:53 p.m.

The Victoria Independent School District’s committee on school safety and discipline is to be complimented for what we believe is a sensible and appropriately cautious approach to the study of whether to adopt a standardized dress code for students.

When Advocate reporter Pamela Bond surveyed some students about their feelings on the subject, she got a predictably negative reaction. Teenagers today don’t want to be told what to do, and they don’t want rules foisted upon them – not so different as today’s old folks were at their age.

But, whether the kids believe it or not, some rules and policies are instituted with their welfare in mind, and we think this is one.

In the first place, the committee is first studying the “possibility” of a standardized dress code, “which is different from a uniform,” according to committee Chair Nancy McCord, and, “We’re looking at, ‘If we want this, what do we want it to look like.’” The panel, 65 people from various parts of the school district and the community outside of it, is taking the time necessary to study other districts and their various dress codes, and then make a recommendation to the school board.

After that, public input will be welcomed before any final decisions are made.

School board Trustee Tammi Keeling called attention to a video she watched in which a boy pulled 17 guns from the waistband of his trousers.

Truth is, it only takes one. If our students come to realize that a dress code is not something adults are using to torture them, but something actually designed to protect them, attitudes might change.

Meanwhile, the young people should be assured that there is no rush to judgment on a dress code here.

It’s being handled smartly, and we support it.



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