Districts lay down the law with dress codes

Kenneth Ma

While most students are stocking up on the latest back-to-school

fashions and accessories, school district officials are making sure they

are aware of what they can and cannot wear in the classroom this year.

Districts in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley have dress codes to

prevent students from wearing attire that is disruptive, unsafe or

representative of youth gangs, officials said.

“Our dress code is based on community standards and the safety and

protection of kids and to make sure what kids wear is not disruptive to

the educational program,” said Huntington Beach City School District

Supt. Duane Dishno.

Dishno said the 10 schools in his district have their own dress codes,

but there is a broad districtwide dress code.

Huntington Beach City, Fountain Valley, Ocean View and Huntington

Beach Union High school districts prohibit students from wearing clothing

that can be classified as disturbing, hazardous to the student and

others, and clothing that could cause damage to school property.

In the Ocean View district, many of the same rules apply. Students are

also not allowed to wear clothing, jewelry or accessories that are

symbolic of gangs. Students also may no groom themselves in a manner that

represents a gang, according to the district’s rules and regulations.

The dress code also stipulates that students may not wear bathing

suits, halter tops, open-toe shoes, hanging belts or have makeup or

hairstyles that are too distracting in class. In addition, tank tops must

have 2-inch straps and skirts must cover at least half of the thighs.

“We are here to educate children, and we want to make sure that

children are safe and that the clothing they wear does not pose a safety

hazard,” said Karen Colby, Ocean View’s assistant superintendent of

curriculum and instruction. “We want children to focus on school instead

of distracting clothing.”

Students in the Huntington Beach Union High School District are also

banned from wearing sexually suggestive clothing. They may not wear

attire that poses health hazards, such as spikes or chains.

Their clothing must not contain words or symbols that degrade gender,

culture, religion, sexual orientation or ethnic value. Outfits are also

prohibited from advertising tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any illegal

substance.

The same rules apply in the Fountain Valley School District. Also

enforced is the rule that students may not wear clothing that displays

emblems, lettering or pictures relating to drugs, sex or profanity.

Also, enclosed shoes must be wore at all times.

And as for the baggy clothing, most of it is a nono.

Clothing that can be used as a weapon, oversized or baggy pants

capable of concealing a weapon, pants that do not properly fit the

student’s waist size, frayed cuffs and overalls with straps unfastened

are forbidden.