The policy bans revealing clothing, flip-flop sandals, offensive statements printed on clothing and hats.
Here is an example of the Springfield Schools uniforms. These are for Central High School.CHICOPEE – The School Committee put to rest a long debate about requiring students to wear uniforms by adopting a new, stricter dress code for the next school year.
The dress code, adopted in a 10-0 vote, bans clothing that is deemed inappropriate because it exposes midriffs or backs and is shorter than mid-thigh. Chains attached to wallets or used as belts and any spiked accessories such as collars and belts are not permitted.
The committee also agreed to officially end the discussion about creating a uniform policy that has divided the group, sometimes bitterly, since 2009.
“We clamped down on the types of shoes and the lengths of skirts and shorts,” said Michael J. Pise, a committee member. “We will give it a shot and see what works.”
The debate over creating a uniform policy was sparked by School Committee member Deborah A. Styckiewicz, who proposed it after she saw a Chicopee Comprehensive High student wearing clothing she felt was too revealing for school.
At the same time Chicopee was debating school uniforms, Springfield schools had started a policy requiring students to wear cotton pants and a shirt with a collar. Specific colors are called for at different grade levels and schools.
Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello asked if there have been any complaints about students’ dress this year.
“I don’t seen any problems. ... The kids seem very appropriate,” she said, adding she drops her daughter off at Comprehensive High School every morning.
Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. said school administrators have been serious about following the dress code policy and have not had many problems. When there are issues, they are at the middle and high schools, he said.
“Do we have kids who test the policy? Yes, kids are kids,” he said.
One of the focuses of the policy was on shoes, and that is mostly for safety reasons, Pise said. The new policy prohibits flip-flops or shower-type sandals and slippers. It also bans all types of head coverings, including headbands and bandanas, but there are exceptions for students who wear them for religious reasons.
The policy also bans any clothing that has slogans, designs or comments that are vulgar, intend to harass, intimidate or demean others because of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or ethnicity. It also disallows any clothing that promotes alcohol, tobacco, gangs, drugs or weapons.
The issue of revealing clothing is also addressed. Tops that are low-cut or see-through and those with spaghetti straps or tank tops are not allowed. Pants must be worn at the waist and undergarments cannot be seen.