Posted on 04/30/2004 11:00:07 AM PDT by presidio9
Malena Schroeder is fed up.
She's fed up with high school students wearing visible thong underwear, blue jeans that droop low on the hips or skimpy blouses that show - in her opinion - too much skin.
A Mundelein High School District 120 board member who also regularly volunteers at the school, Schroeder doesn't consider herself prudish. But she's tired of walking through the school hallways and seeing provocatively dressed kids who look like they popped out of a racy music video.
"If I'm an adult and I'm distracted, I can only imagine what effect it might have on teenagers in that environment," she said.
During a board meeting earlier this week, Schroeder called for administrators to more stringently enforce the facility's dress code or adopt stricter rules that could include uniforms. She received support from other trustees and from audience members who applauded her request.
The proposal also was backed by Superintendent Stan Fields, who promised a committee will study the issue.
"There's something to be said for preparing students for life after high school and (teaching) appropriate grooming habits and dress habits," Fields said. "It's pretty difficult to get a job when your rear end is hanging out."
Mundelein isn't the only suburban high school wrestling with dress-code concerns. Wauconda High School and the other schools in Wauconda Unit District 118 tightened clothing policies for the 2003-04 term, banning belly-baring tops, low-rise pants and other revealing garments.
Similar rules have been adopted in recent years at high schools in Buffalo Grove, Naperville, St. Charles and other towns.
Public-school dress codes, including those requiring students wear uniforms, are legal under Illinois and federal laws. Although courts have ruled garments with political slogans are protected by the First Amendment, educators can restrict the size or style of student clothing.
"You have the right to free expression. You probably don't have the right to show off your belly ring," said Ed Yohnka, spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union (news - web sites) of Illinois.
Mundelein High updated its dress code in 2002. Among the restrictions is a rule requiring clothes cover all skin and underwear between the armpit and mid-thigh.
Violators can be asked to change into more appropriate clothes or wear a baggy Mundelein High T-shirt over offending garments, school spokeswoman Kelley Happ said. On "rare occasions," she said, some are sent home.
Schroeder, who has two teenagers enrolled at Mundelein, believes those rules aren't properly enforced. Too many times she's seen students with pants that don't cover their underwear or whose shirts reveal skin at the midriff.
"It's become the norm," she said. "There's a time and a place for that kind of dress. It shouldn't be school attire."
If parents can't control what their kids wear, Schroeder said, school administrators or the board must step in and make sure teens are dressed appropriately. If that means stronger enforcement of the existing dress code or the adoption of uniforms, she said, so be it.
"It's our responsibility to make sure that our kids can focus and have some decorum," Schroeder said.
Mundelein High junior Stephanie Urban thinks officials who want to crack down on dress-code abuses are overreacting. Students dress better than they used to, she said.
Jessy Wisniewski, another junior, likes to wear shorts or skirts to school and said she has been sent home for sporting clothes considered too risque.
"I'm 16. I can legally drive. But people are going to tell me (what's) appropriate for school?" she said. "I mean, I'm not coming to school dressed in a bikini."
Students who oppose uniforms may have a surprising ally: board President Thomas M.P. Hannigan, who thinks better enforcement of the existing code is the answer.
"My high school had a uniform. My grammar school had a uniform. And I don't think I learned any better because of that," Hannigan said. "I think we have a reasonable dress code. Before the school board jumps in and makes changes, let's see how an enforced dress code works."
Dress: Board president doesn't back uniforms
You and me both!! It is so frustrating. Little girls size 12-14 pajamas have " SEX" written on them . I was going to write Kohl's and complain. Maybe we ought to have a massive FREEP on some stores, companys and sponsors.!!!
Pants that fit like a cheap hotel - no ballroom.
(My sister-in-law was watching it, I swear!!)
I agree! One problem with teenage girls these days, and a lot of grown women, is that they have been brainwashed into thinking that a size 14 is FAT. That is ridiculous! The 'Twiggy' idea never left, apparently!
I remember reading once that one of Steve Tyler's daughters was a 'Plus Size' model. I was further astounded when I read that she was a size 14! How degrading that must be for a healthy teenager who wears a size 12 or 14 to read that she's considered 'Plus Size' with all the negative connotations that entails!
Besides, if I ever make it back down to a Size 14, I'm gonna consider myself SKINNY!! ;o)
Just shows you haven't checked out the clothes at EITHER Lands End OR Eddie Bauer, lately!
Just damn.
If you want on the list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...
This girl is very lucky she is not my daughter. Smack!
My fiance came up with the mountain lesbian line (she's more of a Bebe, FCUK, Guess, Frederick's of Hollywood, Agent Provocateur kind of girl). I'm more of a Banana Republic/Club Monaco/Diesel type guy.
My daughter is 15. I told her that she can only go out of the house in long overalls.
And a turtleneck.
I wonder if they make teenaged burkhas....
Unfortunately, no she isn't.
If you find some, let me know where to buy them.
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