CAN YOU SAY...THE FIRST STEP TOWARD A STATEWIDE SCHOOL DRESS CODE?

First, let me say that I have no issue whatsoever with schools instituting reasonable dress codes for their students. Students should not be allowed to wear clothes which are distracting from the educational experience in any way.

In today's hip hop culture a favourite form of dress for boys is the "low-rider" pants/shorts, in which they are worn below the waist and exposes his underwear. Most school districts already ban such wear, but state Senator Gary Siplin (D - Orlando) wants to make such a restriction part of Florida law.

Siplin has tried and failed with this in recent years, and he's brought it up once again this legislative session. Previously, he would have made wearing below waist garments exposing underwear on school grounds a second degree misdemeanor. This time, he has changed the bill to mandate a verbal warning the first time an individual is found in violation, followed by a three day suspension for a second offense and a ten day suspension for subsequent violations.

While the intent is worthy, it sets poor precedent. One has to ask, if this somehow passes, what's next? This is simply an issue that has no place in the Florida Legislature, but should be decided on the local level. And if such dress as Senator Siplin is addressing is allowed, then parents should demand change at their school board.