Chicopee students will have a new strict dress code to abide by as of the 2011-12 school year. The debate over whether it went too far or not far enough is far from settled. Here is what our readers had to say about it.
The debate over creating a uniform policy began when School Committee member Deborah A. Styckiewicz proposed it after she saw a Chicopee Comprehensive High student wearing clothing she felt was too revealing for school. CHICOPEE- The school committee in Chicopee recently voted to ban 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 are also banned along with any spiked accessories such as collars or belts.
The new policy labels flip-flops and slippers as banned footwear. It also bans all types of head coverings, including ball caps. headbands and bandanas, but there are exceptions for students who wear them for religious reasons.
The vote brought to a close, at least for now, a long debate about whether the district should adopt a uniform requirement as some neighboring districts did. The debate about what the youth is wearing, however, continues.
In response to the new dress code, here is what some of our readers had to say.
nonameposter says: It's not prudish, it promotes an environment that says students are there for education and not a fashion show.
icemanstone says: What is sad is that at no time in modern history have the clothes been so revealing as it is today in the teen fashion world. Not even during the 60's with the mini dress craze or the short shorts of the 70's.
foggyworld1932 says: In my opinion, the people who drafted this should read the Constitution of the UNITED STATES. People have a right to be creative in their own individuality, even if it scares them. Next all houses will have to be painted the same color in Chicopee because some schmuck doesn't like other peoples taste.
xrfranchize says: i think having a school uniform would be great. Less money to spend on school clothes, and less time saying no you can't wear that. Then we wouldn't have to worry about what child is wearing and if it meets the approval.
taxedtothemax says: Parents, if you consider yourself a GOOD and RESPONSIBLE parent, you should be more concerned about what your kid is learning, if they will be able to graduate, if they will become learned and productive adults, and not so concerned and upset that your little darlings are not able to show off their underwear and body parts with INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING!!! Teach your kids to have dignity and self-esteem.