[LINK] OFF TOPIC: School uniforms

[Ivan Trundle]

On 11/03/2009, at 7:01 PM, Karl Auer wrote:

> Clothing is one small aspect of "discipline" anyway, and most clothing
> requirements are directly defensible by reference to decency, safety
> etc.

I've just spoken to my wife (a secondary teacher) who assures me that  
the main issue (at least in the ACT public schooling system) is the  
aspect of decency, and what is considered appropriate clothing to be  
permitted in a school environment.

Whilst some schools enforce different levels of 'uniform' (and the  
definition of uniform varies from school to school), the main concern  
is that students are appropriately dressed not just from a safety  
perspective (for example, in art/industrial arts/science/etc), but  
from a perspective of decency and fairness to all others.

Students apparently push the envelope of decency all the time (who  
would have guessed?) - not just the amount of flesh visible (common  
problem with girls, I'm told), but also what is written or depicted on  
clothing, accessories, or books and bags (yes, even school books).

'Decency' ranges vary from school to school, but the primary focus is  
on respect for others, and acknowledging the sensitivities of those  
who might be or who is affected by another student, or groups of  
students.

It's a communal environment, so the idea is to create and environment  
where everyone is safe, respected, and without contentious  
distractions. Uniforms are one small measure of this activity, and for  
many, it negates the issue of students wearing potentially offensive  
or provocative clothing, or other apparel.

Fascinating topic, for sure. The legal dimensions simply add another  
layer.

iT