Editorial: Higher standards

Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 | 8:38 a.m.

Almost no one argues with the need for a basic dress code in schools, such as the one followed by the Clark County School District that, among other things, requires covered midriffs. Many principals, however, want a higher standard. They support clothing that has a few variables in colors and style but is generally standardized -- a uniform, if you will.

And if you won't? This is where controversy begins. This semester a Liberty High School student, with support from her family and the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, filed a federal lawsuit challenging her school's uniform policy. She had been expelled for wearing T-shirts with religious messages, but after the suit was filed a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against that discipline, enabling the girl to return to Liberty. The judge noted that parents had not been surveyed about the uniform policy.

Last week the Clark County School Board addressed the judge's concern. It adopted a new policy requiring parental surveys every four years for schools desiring uniform policies. If 55 percent of the responding parents approve, uniform policies may proceed and students who object may seek placement in another school.

Undoubtedly, even this policy will be challenged. If school uniforms are ultimately ruled unconstitutional, schools will have to abandon what we see as a sensible effort to direct students' attention back to education. We support conducting the surveys. It would mean parents, students and school officials all cooperating on a policy that experience has shown improves academic achievement.

A Canyon Springs High School student, participating in the Sun's Youth Forum this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center, addressed a major criticism of uniforms, that they take away a student's creativity in respect to appearance. The student, who preferred not to be named, said: "... you should be creative on your own time." Wise words, in our view.