SOMIS : Anti-Gang Dress Code Considered

Somis Union School District trustees considered a new student dress code Wednesday in an attempt to ban gang-related attire on campus.

Supt. Dale Forgey said the code is a starting point for banning clothing that would suggest to students or outsiders that gangs exist within the 300-student district. Forgey said there have been no gang incidents in the district, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade, but said groups of students wearing a distinctive type of clothing have been growing.

“It’s a precautionary approach to looking at what other schools are doing,” Forgey said. Although the district does not have a formal policy, Forgey said some students have been wearing similar hats or colors.

At that, Trustee Alda Perry said that hats and caps should be banned. “I don’t see why kids should be allowed to wear hats at all,” she said. “It’s not polite.”

This month the Oxnard Union High School District adopted a policy to ban any symbols or clothing denoting gang involvement. Possible prohibited items include jewelry, notebooks or accessories related to gangs.

Somis board members are expected to adopt a formal policy at its next meeting on July 17.