Yeah, Right, Whatever

I think everyone agrees that kids should follow the rules at school, right? If the handbook says no chewing gum, then toss the Bubble Yum in the trash. If the handbook says no music players or cell phones in the classroom, too bad, gang. And, if there's a dress code, by all means you should follow it.

But what if wearing something patriotic was against the dress code? Would that change your opinion?

Ben Lewandowski says he was only trying to be patriotic when he wore a homemade T-shirt featuring an American flag bumper sticker and the words "Remember 9/11" to Lincoln Park High School on Monday.

...Lincoln Park Schools Superintendent Randall Kite said the high school held a moment of silence Monday to give students an outlet to show their patriotism. He said some students had asked last week whether they could wear shirts to commemorate the day, and they were told no.

"We didn't think it would be appropriate, because of the dress code, to wear T-shirts with writing," he said Tuesday.

According to the dress code, students are allowed to wear school-sanctioned clothing, such as T-shirts bearing the school's mascot or clothing that supports school organizations.

I love that the kids were trying to be patriotic (although, there's a part of me that thinks they were just trying to stretch the dress code to the limit.) But the rules are the rules. "No shirts with writing or drawings" means just that. Unless it's a pic of the school mascot with the words "Lincoln Park High Athletic Department" on it, it's not to be worn at school.

I guess it's easier for me. I spent twelve years in Catholic schools. We had uniforms from 1st through 8th grades, and then uniforms or a strict dress code in high school. We had about 5 days a year that were non-uniform days (and those were goofy Spirit week days, where you had to dress with a certain theme). For me, this is a no-brainer.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say that I wish public schools had stricter dress codes. There would be nothing wrong with requiring collared shirts and khakis, would there? (Yeah, I know... this coming from the woman who lives in jeans and t-shirts... ) Kids are in school to learn, not to be fashion plates. Honestly, some of the things I see the kids (well, the girls) wear in middle school terrify me, even though I know I shouldn't be surprised.

The schools are trying to crack down on the dress code problems, but you can only do so much. Kids will stretch the rules- that's what they do. But there is no reason for the girls to go around looking like Brittany-wanna-bes and the guys walking around holding on the waistband of their jeans because they're 5 sizes too big so that everyone can see whether or not they're wearing clean undies. Clean, tidy, neat... is that too much to ask for?

So... to the kids of Lincoln Park High... Old Navy makes some really nice solid color t-shirts. Take the hint.