Baltimore Co. Rolls Out New School Dress Code

It's the county's first new dress code in more than 40 years, said 11 News education reporter Tim Tooten. The changes come as thousands of students are heading back to school. Clothing that depicts vulgar, obscene and violent messages are banned. In addition, clothing which promotes tobacco, drugs and gang affiliation is also off limits, said Tooten.
Parents who are trying to wrap up back to school shopping may need to take along a copy of the new rules, said Tooten. He talked to parents and administrators to get their reactions to the new changes.
"It's very easy to understand. Student Simple Wedding Dresses are still the major responsibility of parent and child. Our goal is to make sure that every student understands our standard and they dress appropriately for school. This is so they will participate in a safe and orderly environment, and the orderly piece is the piece we are most concerned with," said Patsy Holmes of the Baltimore County Schools system.
"I think the kids need dress codes to get out of all this vulgar stuff that they are wearing. All and all I think the change will be good for the county. It would be good for all school systems to keep this stereotype stuff out of the way," said Bruce Pendles, a parent of a Baltimore County School student.
Amber Hands, another parent of a student, said it's about time. "Yeah, I think so with all of the things going on in the world, I think it's a good idea." Amy Smith concurred. "Kids shouldn't be wearing sexually explicit things. My girls are 11 and 12 going into middle school and they shouldn't be seeing that mess."
All of the dress code changes will be included in the school system's new student handbook, said Tooten. "It spells everything put. We define attire. We define hair. We define dress. We define gang paraphernalia so that students and parents will understand what can interfere with teaching and learning and a safe environment," said Holmes. Students who violate the school system dress code will be allowed to change their clothes on campus. If they refuse, they could be sent home, Tooten said.