A local school system in Arlington, Texas has updated its dress code to include items like mouth jewelry (grills) and earlobe-stretching gauging earrings. The school contends the items are a distraction and hence the reason for adding the items to the school dress code, naturally many of the students affected object to the ban. They argue the “jewelry” is a matter of self expression, which is correct.

The federal courts, however, have ruled that schools have the legal authority to ban such items deemed to be distracting to the school environment. It is certainly true that such items are a form of self-expression, just has a giant tattoo on one’s forward reading “I’m a moron” is a form of self-expression (both have the same meaning in this case and both can be restricted or banned in a public school setting).

The school however, errs when arguing that they: “…want to instill in them [students] a sense of modesty and a sense of community.” The public schools have no place teaching modesty or immodesty for that matter; perhaps they should stick with the “three Rs” and leave the values lesson to parents.

We can surely bet that some parent, more concerned with befriending their child rather than ensuring they receive a quality education, will take up their mutilated child’s cause in the form of a lawsuit, meanwhile young mutilated and self-defaced Johnny continues to fail
http://www.nbc5i.com/education/9493327/detail.html?rss=dfw&psp=news


Other related articles:
http://www.thephalanx.com/2006/03/stoking-secessionist-flamescan-schools.html