Code will bring increased trouble

Code

will bring increased trouble

I am proud of the

young people of our county who have used this forum to

express their objection to the proposed dress code

changes to be implemented in our schools. They have shown

that they are literate, civic-minded citizens despite

their preference for a style of clothing which I as an

older citizen do not personally choose. These young men

and women deserve to be listened to. We should appreciate

them and applaud them for their merits, rather than

seeking to alienate them because of their dress.

A recent

article in this paper pointed out the overall low

incidence of school discipline problems in our county

last year compared to other neighboring school systems.

Apparently when our students were allowed some freedom in

dress, outright anarchy did not result.

I believe

that if the school board passes a restrictive dress code,

we will see an increase in school discipline problems. I

believe that we will also see an increase in tension in

the classrooms as the teachers will be required to be the

unwilling enforcers of a county injunction that does not

directly bear on education.

I believe

that the adoption of a strict dress code will also raise

the stress level in our homes as parents and children are

put at odds over school policy. Not to mention the strain

on family finances which will result when families have

to purchase new wardrobes for their children.

Finally, I

would like to offer one final thought to the Fayette

County Board of Education members who are eager to

convince us of the need to approve a countywide sales tax

for education. If you are deaf to the voices of your

citizens, young and old, who are speaking out against the

adoption of an unreasonable and restrictive dress code,

why should we as voters listen to you when you urge us to

consider your needs and to vote for a tax increase?

Carol C.

Guillory

Peachtree City

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