Chatter

By Old School

December 11, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

There was a dress code in place my freshman year at Ga Southern. Girls could not wear pants or shorts on campus until Saturday and on Sunday after lunch. This was a huge problem for me as an Industrial Arts major. I was taking an automotive class and needed to wear coveralls. It’s a little tricky crawling under a car in a dress. The president of Southern relented and allowed me to wear coveralls IF I wore a raincoat over them while crossing campus!

By FCM

December 11, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

When I went to school back in the 80s Punk was popular. I recall a girl who mohawked her hair and dyed it bright neon pink (and another time parrot green)….she got suspended for ‘disruption’ (I was a freshman)—-teen girls in ‘trouble’ were also removed from general population to night classes….fast forward to my senior year….at least 5 freshman girls were in ‘trouble’ and general population…the latest ‘grunge/gothic’ scene had made its early start and the crazy hair styles stayed in school too. Mini skirts original couldn’t be more than 2 inches above the knee (freshman)….then 3 inches below the longest finger when arms held at sides…that was approx 3.5 inches above most knees…..shirts were to be tucked in but could have non offensive words (INXS, AC/DC etc were considered no offensive)….these days same school….I think Brittany wrote the code….

I just have to thank the parents of the in trouble girls, the mohawkers expressing their free speech, etc for working so hard to change rules that so the feelings/voice of the child were more important than providing a decent/non disruptive place to learn. (Yes that is sarcastic).

By Jeff

December 11, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

The dress code at the alternative school I went to was pretty strict - and I left there in 2001!!

Polo shirt (must be tucked in). No t shirts allowed.

Pants. No shorts, all pants must be ankle length. (No capris or other styles allowed).

Belt.

Socks and shoes. No sandals of any kind. Only exception to this was if you achieved the highest behavioral/academic level, and at that point you could wear sandals with an ankle strap.

The principal and the ISS teacher sat in the hall where everyone came in. As soon as you walked in the door, you were checked for dress code as the ISS teacher checked you with a wand metal detector. He even checked the bottom of your shoes, and had you show your socks. (Those last two things were the direct result of some unpleasantness that had occurred before I got there - weapons, drugs, and other contraband hidden in the sole of the shoe and/ or socks.)

By Old guy

December 11, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

In elementary school in the early ’60s you had to have your shirt tail tucked in. No exceptions. My mom bought me a shirt that was designed to be worn with the shirttail out — in only came down to just below belt level. The principal spotted my violation and told me to tuck it in. the shirttail was so short I had to pull my pants up over my belly button to get it tucked in, and walked around all day in “high waters.” My friends were merciless.

By Lily Toad

December 11, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

In the late ‘60’s, in my jr. high school, girls couldn’t wear skirts shorter than three inches above the knee. I have extremely long legs and it was hard to find skirts that fell that long on me. My French teacher sent me to the office because my skirt was too short and when they called my mother, she said, “Well, you take her shopping.”

By ATL80

December 11, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I’m still in my 20s so I can remember when this fad hit suburban middle schools. If saggy pants is such an issue why has it taken 15+ years to implement a dress code?

By Deborah

December 11, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Dress code for pulling up pants is a good thing but usually boys do, but about low cut T-tops on girls showing breast and T tops showing girls bra straps. Dress code show be for all students and respect for each other all the time.

By Chris

December 11, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

I think this was a good move with the dress code. Since I can remember, schools have always had dress codes. I dont think its good seeing someones underwear. Kids don’t understand that the real world has dress codes also. Every job requires some type of uniform or dress code.

By angel

December 11, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

No make up or jewelry [except a watch & stud earrings for girls ONLY].

gOOD THINg THEY banned ‘em baggy pants - it’s hideous & should be illegal for exposing……..

By leroy

December 11, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

1970 in junior high public school in michigan you had to keep your shirt tails tucked in. shirt tails untucked was an automatic swat on the backside by the “board of education” hung neatly in Mr. Ulrichs office. One day we deside to ‘rebell” and walk the halls untucked ,surely Ulrich couldn’t hit us all right? well he didnt have to he enlisted both gym teachers and one science teacher.

By DB

December 11, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

When I was in junior high in the early 70s, it was skirts or dresses ONLY for girls — no culottes, and DEFINITELY no pants! We were thrilled in the 9th grade (junior high was 7-9) when the principal relented and allowed the girls to wear pantsuits — you remember, the lovely polyester matching top and pants — but they had to be MATCHING, and absolutely NO JEANS.

Also popular that year was a charming ensemble called a “scooter skirt”, that consisted of a tunic-type top that came down to mid-thigh and was slit up the front, with matching shorts undernearth. Those were definitely forbidden.

My best friend wore a skirt that was too short to school one day, and a memorable and hilarious lecture ensued from the English teacher, complete with illustrations, on how a skirt had to be a certain length in order to completely cover the curvature of the derrierre. My friend wore maxi-skirts for the next two weeks in protest … but at least you couldn’t read the day on her “days of the week” underwear!”

The principal died a few years later — popular culture has it that he died the first time a girl showed up on HIS campus wearing a pair of jeans :-)

By Janice

December 11, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

in the late 60’s it was only skirts for girls. and growing up in the northeast that was cold in the winter. we also went to school in the snow.

i attended private school, so it was uniforms, winter, spring and fall. wool uniforms with white blouses and knee socks and saddle shoes. boys wore navy trousers, white shirt and tie and oxford shoes.

by time high school rolled around it was jumpers and white blouses for girls but still knee socks and saddle shoes. i still have the saddle shoes!

By KR

December 11, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

I graduated in 1997, so I remember when this trend started, but I agree that it should be banned! Not only does it look hideous and unkempt, it can’t possibly be safe to walk around with your pants falling off! I remember how we used to get so mad at the school for banning clothing that was considered “disruptive to the learning environment” but when I think about it, it’s is in disruptive!

By Geezer

December 11, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

This is ridiculous. Each generation has had to fight for their right to dress as they see fit. The way you dress does not impede your ability to learn. Growing up in the 60,s and 70’s, simply having long hair could get you in trouble (not only in school). We baby boomers had to fight for change back then. I suspect a large number of boomers are responsible for this new rule; have their collective memories faded with age, or have they simply turned into their parents?

Young people stand up for your rights and challenge this!! The administrators can’t suspend a large student population without looking like fools, so wear those baggy pants! If you stick together, you will win.

Oh to be young and rebellious again.

By sunny

December 11, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

It’s about TIME………..IT LOOK NASTY FOR THE BOYS AND THE GIRLS LOOK NASTY SHOW THEIR BRA STRAPS AND THEIR BELLY. We need more values and a strong foundation in Life….

By Oldie Atlantan

December 11, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

I remember growing up in the 60’s only allowed to wear dresses, or skirts just below the knees. On PE day we were allowed to wear shorts under our clothes, and for us this was a big treat! We could hang upside down on the monkey bars without showing our undies. I wore Keds or Spalding saddle shoes, (only kind that were best fit for roller skates, until the fifth grade when Weejun loafers became all the go. I saved up all my babysitting money to buy a John Romaine purse, which I purchased from Casual Corner on Buckhead Avenue. I always had to wear a slip under my clothes, and hose were out until 7th grade when we started dancing school with boys.
White socks were out for boys who wore loafers, and we used to collect those tags on the backs the boys’ shirts for souvenirs. Izod was big. Guys had very short hair, and girls had ponytails, or short bobbed hairstyles with burettes or hair bands.
After 8th grade, fast forward to the bussing, drug, anti-war days, and the whole academic attitude changed across the board. That’s when they loosened up and let us wear jeans and desert boots, bandanas, and lots of jewelry. Everyone seemed to have the same expression on their faces, and the school soon disintegrated. The next generation escaped to private schools.

By Oldie Atlantan

December 11, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

I remember growing up in the 60’s only allowed to wear dresses, or skirts just below the knees. On PE day we were allowed to wear shorts under our clothes, and for us this was a big treat! We could hang upside down on the monkey bars without showing our undies. I wore Keds or Spalding saddle shoes, (only kind that were best fit for roller skates, until the fifth grade when Weejun loafers became all the go. I saved up all my babysitting money to buy a John Romaine purse, which I purchased from Casual Corner on Buckhead Avenue. I always had to wear a slip under my clothes, and hose were out until 7th grade when we started dancing school with boys.
White socks were out for boys who wore loafers, and we used to collect those tags on the backs the boys’ shirts for souvenirs. Izod was big. Guys had very short hair, and girls had ponytails, or short bobbed hairstyles with burettes or hair bands.
After 8th grade, fast forward to the bussing, drug, anti-war days, and the whole academic attitude changed across the board. That’s when they loosened up and let us wear jeans and desert boots, bandanas, and lots of jewelry. Everyone had long hair and seemed to have the same expression on their faces, and the school soon disintegrated. The next generation escaped to private schools.

By deidreNC

December 11, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

i graduated from high school in atlanta in 1970-i have many times wished that teachers and parents of that day could see the styles today-they would die (if they arent already there lol) i got sent home for having on -too short of skirts-too long of skirts…go figure-we were not allowed to wear pants of any kind-boys had to wera socks-looked funny with sandals (remember the jesus sandals anyone?) i remember a boy in my school fighting for the right to have a mustache.i was stone cold into the hippie thing and it really was hard to have self expression when the rules of how one looked were so rigid. i have been a lot more relaxed with styles and looks with my own 4 kids-as long as they are decently covered almost anything goes. i hated the rigidity back in tha day-kids nowadays would die if they had to live with those rules for a week lol…

By Freddy K.

December 11, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

No dress code wars. People were aware of where their waist was at. Not below their butts with their crap stained underwear shinning. They should take a belt and whip that ass hanging out. After a few whack them pants would be up where they belong.

By ASA

December 11, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

I grew up in this area during the ‘60’s and can remember some truly awful fashion statements in the name of modesty. Gym clothes for girls was a once piece job, dark blue, and the pant legs had elastic in order to fit snugly - so people couldn’t see up the pant leg - bloomers. We all looked like blue berries on the work-out field. Skirts - had to hit right below your knee. AND - if you didn’t wear socks with your shoes - you were required to wear hose. Seeing people wander around with their butts hanging out makes me think ghetto. If that is a “look” worth preserving - then so be it. There was a saying popular when I was a kid…”the clothes make the person.” I think that is still true.

By Cadet

December 11, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

We had to wear the uniform of the United States Air Force. Inspection was held every morning to make sure that we were in compliance. All insignia was to be in proper position, shoes were to be shined, the correct socks worn, and our hair was to be short.

By Nothing accomplished

December 11, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Something tells me that the dullards that don’t want to apply themselves and learn in school are still going to be dullards regardless of whether wearing baggy pants is an option. Instead of addressing the underlying issues, the administrators have opted for some feel good measure so that they can thump their chests and pat their backs about how they tried and tried. What happens when the next fad comes along? I can see it now, upturned collars will be all the rage (again). The blue hairs will be in a tizzy about how disruptive and disrespective those upturned collars are and everyone across the land will start to clammor for a new dress code rule. Oh, if only we could put a stop to those upturned collars, everything would be right again with the world. There ought to be a law…

By Dekalber

December 11, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Banning saggy pants? Nice idea in theory but enforcing it is going to be dicey. Are they going to have a school employee dedicated to doing this because there are going to be a lot of kids who keep going beltless regardless.

And while we’re at it, can we ban the visible bra straps and thong panties for girls?

By Still Crazy After All These Years

December 11, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

As a student in Va. in the 60’s, we were not allowed to wear our skirts above the kneecap, have bangs lower than our eyebrows (boys and girls), were not allowed to wear slacks or shorts of any type except for after school sports and could not wear tennis shoes except in gym class. We could also not wear the popular “shift” style dresses without a belt because it “made girls look pregnant”. Boys’ hair could not come over the collar of their shirts, and they had to wear button-type shirts with collars only. No tee shirts, and they couldn’t wear jeans. If any of these rules were broken, parents were called to come pick up the offender immediately, or bring the appropriate clothing to them…and YES, this was public school.

We should go back to the old way of dressing in school. You are there to learn, not for a fashion show. By wearing expensive running shoes, clothes, “bling” etc. is just encouraging envy and thievery.

I say go back to basics…even uniforms. It’s for the good of ALL the kids…especially when it comes to butt-baring sagging pants, knowing where this so-called “fad” started…in the jails and prisons.

By Still Crazy After All These Years

December 11, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

P.S. Boys also had to tuck in their shirts, and wear a belt, and girls could not wear sleeveless blouses.

By Think Again

December 11, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

You are very wrong if you think the way you dress doesn’t impede learning. If girls were allowed to wear midriff tops and hip hugging short-shorts, do you think the boys would have their mind on their Algebra? Improper dress is a distraction, be it boys or girls. I agree…let’s start a new fad in public schools of uniforms, or at least uniform-type clothing, no make-up, bobby sox, and no facial hair (boys OR girls LOL) and see if they don’t pay more attention to the teacher than to each other. We also had no cell phones back then, and they should be taboo in schools. My high school had ONE pay phone in the lobby, and you had to have permission from the office to make an “emergency” call ONLY. If you were caught using it at any other time, you better have a written pass from a teacher permitting it.

By FCM

December 11, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

I would agree to uniforms for public schools….why won’t the school boards do that? If children need a voice/freedom to express themselves does it need to be in school hours? Today’s headlines said a 7th grader took a gun to school…I am sure he was just expressing himself too…..NO! Guns and clothes are not the same thing…..However, the principle behind the two ideas is very similar, by relaxing a standard (letting pregnant little girls walk the halls instead of putting them in alternative classes), by allowing massive distractions (green hair, gothic makeup, baggy pants, or Brittany Spears/Lindsey Lohan fashions), and eliminating 90% of effective discipline measures we are creating our next society…..Geezer these kids aren’t rebelling for a cause like you did…they aren’t crying for attention either……they are a generation that has had SOOOO MUCH handed to them that they just have nothing (including that voice/expression)….and that is very sad.

By DB

December 11, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

ASA, omigod, I remember those HORRIBLE gym clothes! A one-piece blouse-like outfit with legs, kinda like a baby’s outfit — that had a little elastic in the waist to keep it from billowing, and elastic leg opening. Short sleeves, a collar, and snaps up the front. OMIGOD! Blueberries, indeed! The guys got to wear shorts and t-shirts — we were SO jealous. Of course, we were in separate classes, too.

By Geezer

December 12, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

I feel compelled to stick up for the youth in America. A lot of comments on this blog seem to be focused on control, and not learning. Learning is much more gratifying in an open, fun environment. The best teachers I had in school were the ones that made learning fun. School administrators need to focus on diversity and acceptance, not your appearance. This includes pregnant girls. Why would you want to isolate them away from a society they are part of simply for being young?

Dress codes from the past were, in fact, a form of uniform. None of us liked it, why would we want to go back to that? Loosen up folks!

By dustoff917

December 12, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

I graduated from high school in the mid 60’s in WVA. We were all miners or loggers. We were not allowed to have our shirt tail hanging out or just wear a t-shirt, it had to be a shirt with a collar and buttoned to the next to top button. We could wear overalls and work boots. The girls had to wear skirts or dresses and they had to reach the top of their knee.

Our male teachers all wore dress shirts and ties and most wore a suit coat when out of the class room. The female teachers wore dresses or suits.

Only students who worked after school were allowed to drive and park at school if your family was lucky enough to have a second car.

We could not leave school at anytime during the day unless there was a mine accident or a forest fire. Then all the older boys and male teachers went.

By Not_Quite_an_Oldtimer

December 12, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

I graduated in the not so distant 80s, from a Metro ATL school. We (males) were not allowed to even wear shorts, except for PE class, and the females could not wear shorts above the knee. We had a shirt tucked in rule, that is, if it was a shirt made to be tucked in, it had to be. However, that was the one dress code rule not enforced. I wore a flannel shirt, untucked and unbuttoned over a t-shirt,as a jacket. No hats inside and no ear rings for males. So, it’s not just the “baby-boomers” whom graduated in the 60/70s making these “new” rules. As a not-so-old graduate, I am glad to see someone making the kids pull their pants up. I would LOVE to see one of these kids go to a job interview, after they graduate, dressed with their “freedom of expression” intact. The potential employer will more than likely exercise their “freedom” to NOT HIRE THEM. The kids say it is a pop culture associated with the style of dress modeled from the way prisoners wear their pants. Well, if you want to wear your pants with your underwear and crack showing, go rob a convenient store. If the store owner doesn’t exercise his Right to bear arms and his Right to protect his property and shoot you in the head, then you can go into the prison system and experience pop culture at its source.