Letter: Selecting clothing teaches students responsibility

Friday, Sept. 24, 2004 | 9:13 a.m.

This is in reference to the controversy about the Liberty High School student who is disobeying the school's dress code to make a point about freedom of expression.

While many worthwhile jobs -- including those of peace officer and firefighter -- require uniforms, many more are low-paying jobs with no future. Would you be satisfied with your children working in fast food or sweeping floors? In the business world there is a uniform, but those who are so employed are expected to be able to select their own clothing. I have yet to see a CEO of a top company dressed in khakis and a red or blue polo shirt with a collar. If we are so concerned with preparing our children for the future, then we should also give them the training they need in selecting the appropriate clothing to succeed in whatever career they might choose.

Learning to express yourself while maintaining respect for others is important. By choosing clothing that reflects their taste that is still appropriate, children learn a vital skill. This is supposed to be a free country, but until we are willing to teach our children that with freedom comes responsibility we will continue to have children who take the easy way out. Requiring a uniform for school relieves the parents and students of those responsibilities.

Do we really want to raise another generation of students who can't think for themselves? I am willing to work a little harder so that my children will be better prepared to enter the real world where they are held accountable for what they say, do and wear.

PAT SHILES