School district policies shouldn't take away a student's right to self-expression

Spectrum/Charlene Schmidtkuntz

A new dress code is proposed by the Mat-Su Borough School Board. I believe the code interrupts and disrespects healthy gender and pop culture identities. Protecting the development of the young persons' self-expression needs to be primary. Clear limits that reflect contemporary community standards are important.

Current borough policy in the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook requires clothing to be clean, safe and not to detract from the educational environment. For clarity, individual schools further define it. Many parents still buy their children locally accepted but school-discouraged clothes. This oversight is met by irregular enforcement.

A survey was sent to parents and then 18 months ago policy revisions began. The last public meeting was October 2004. Is code interrupting with parents' expectations? Enforcement increased. This month security officers were appointed for high schools. I feel direct communication with parents is needed. Parents, some unaware, have not been contacted this year. I sympathize with those who feel left out.

Last fall, teens told me their concerns. They work hard to maintain their freedoms. I talked with my middle-school child, principal, teachers and other parents. Interruption from appearance was not significant. Students were comfortable and learning. A January front page local news photo shows this. The students are happy and paying attention to a Japanese student. They are wearing contemporary community standards. Cheerleaders wear them, too.

The identity of teen girls is different from elementary age. Teens are physically, intellectually and emotionally prepared for public dating. School dances are provided. The proposed code to prohibit all "sexual acts" will threaten students' rights to hold hands, hug and have an appearance suggesting gender and attractiveness. "Sexually suggestive" clothing allows teen girls to express their female identity. Prohibiting this discriminates and undermines 35-plus years of accepted feminine looks. School policy must be clear and fair. Students need learning time to make the distinction between their own moral values and community standards.

It is a preconceived idea that all chains and studded jewelry are harmful. Tuskegee University (9/8/03) uses hip-hop music and moves to teach children writing. Chains and studded diamonds signify rap and hip-hop individuality (Oshiro 2004). Hip-hop can illuminate marginalized youth (Alridge 2002).

Some contemporary community standards are chains, studded jewelry, clothing higher than three inches above the knee and exposed midriffs. These are proposed to be prohibited in addition to other interpretations of undergarments, transparent clothing, extremely low cuts and sleepwear. All these are worn by respectable visitors to school board meetings, by waitresses who serve teachers, clerks, etc. Their photos are in local papers and telephone ads.

The subversions of healthy sex identities, education and morals within our community need to be resisted. Students need time to process these learning experiences. I believe more understanding of right and wrong is needed to preserve young people's identity. This will help them learn that a goal of the educational process is mutual respect.

Charlene Schmidtkunz

is a Sutton resident.