On the other side of the spectrum, some schools enforce very strict dress codes with school uniforms and know allowance for self-expression at all. It seems that almost all schools have some sort of rules regarding the attire of the student body that fit somewhere in between these two extremes.

In this essay, I will give some of the positive and negative implications associated with mandating school dress codes.

According to Kenneth Cole, author of "School Uniform Debate: Can students dress for success and safety," "In recent years, stories of Metro Detroit youths beaten up and even killed for their trendy apparel, particularly jackets and gym shoes, have become commonplace." Malchom X Academy, on Detroit’s westside has a conventional school uniform policy. At least on

The issue of self-expression in the schools is not a new one. Thirty years ago, Des Moines, Iowa school officials sent three children home from school for wearing black arm bands in protest of the Vietnam War.

The children sued, "arguing that the First Amendment gave them the right to express themselves in this quiet and dignified way." The high court agreed that children do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse door.

As I think the government has WAY to much power over all aspects of our lives already, I do not favor new laws or policies which attempt to sensor our personal freedom and expression. I think the ACLU attorney, Joseph Grabarz, was very insightful to suggest that "controversial" attire worn by students can definitely be used as a means to engage them in thoughtful discussion, and certainly to challenge them.

Some topics in this essay:
Vietnam War, , Rapids Michigan, Hilfiger Nike, South Park’s, Liberties Union, Marcus Sheffield, Establishment Clause, School Texas, Robert’s T-shirt, school uniforms, school officials, school uniform, revealing clothing, students wear, joseph grabarz, free speech, student body, school system, numerals 666,