Pubdate: Wed, 11 May 2005
Source: Burnaby Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.burnabynow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1592
Author: Christina Myers
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

NO MORE DRUG DUDS AND RACY T-SHIRTS

Leave home the beer T-shirts, the marijuana-leaf baseball caps and 
intimidating accessories: a district-wide dress code will soon be in place 
at schools throughout Burnaby.

After lengthy consultation with parents, students, teachers and 
administrators, city school trustees recently approved a dress code 
statement, which will now go through the policy committee before being 
finalized.

The proposed code will limit the wearing of clothing that represents 
alcohol or drugs, promotes violence or racism or makes sexual reference. 
The code also suggests that staff should act as role models in setting a 
good example of appropriate dress.

The district's statement, in part, says "decisions regarding student dress 
require the careful balance of the individual's right of self-expression 
against the district's responsibility to ensure an appropriate learning 
environment. ... Although choices regarding student attire rest primarily 
with the parent and student, the district dress code would identify some 
standards that should assist these decisions and identify consistent 
expectations in all schools.

"All members of the school community should dress in ways that are 
appropriate for their particular roles and show respect for themselves, for 
others and for the school. As role models, staff should dress in ways that 
set good examples for students.

"Clothing that distracts oneself or others from focusing on teaching and 
learning is inappropriate."

As a guide, the code specifically limits certain items as being "not 
appropriate or respectful," including clothing that:

* represents or promotes alcohol or drugs;

* makes sexual reference;

* uses inappropriate language;

* depicts or promotes violence, racism or other discrimination; or

* is intimidating to others.

The effort to create a code began in early 2003 when the board received 
requests from several principals at Burnaby secondary schools for a 
consistent code across the district.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman