More coverage on this story here:
http://www.wnyt.com/x1649.xml?ag=x156&sb=x183
2nd article excerpt:
"The school's code of conduct states student's jewelry "will be safe, appropriate and not...interfere with the educational process." It also says "students will not wear any clothing deemed to be gang related."
The code of conduct does not explicitly mention beads or beaded necklaces. But school officials say the beads have been affiliated with gangs in the past. So they're not allowed.
"We want to make sure that our students have options to express themselves, but it has to be done in a way that's safe for everyone in the school building,” said Shari Greenleaf, the attorney for the city school district.
"It's red, white and blue. The colors of the school are red, white and blue. This is potentially gang-related? What does that mean? It's ridiculous,” Keach said.
School officials say the color red is often affiliated with one particular gang, and the color blue is often affiliated with another."
School officials say the color red is often affiliated with one particular gang, and the color blue is often affiliated with another."IIRC, one is the Bloods, and the other the Crips, and they have not generally enjoyed a peaceful relationship. Why would someone wear colors of two or three rival gangs when the obvious (given) explanation makes more sense?
These people are educating children? Sheesh!