Coweta

County's dress code for high school students is

stirring up some controversy, but Superintendent

of Education Richard Brooks said the code is

nothing new.

"There

are a few minor changes, but this is the first

year we've published it, so people are more aware

of it," he said.

One

of the items causing concern among students is

that all shirts must be tucked in.

"We

just feel it's appropriate for a school

environment. We're not saying it's a bad thing,

but we just feel it allows the students to focus

more," Brooks said.

The

established standard has been set to discourage

clothing that may be a distraction to the

learning environment and possible safety of

students, he said.

The

dress standard is as follows:

All shirts must be

tucked into pants or skirts and/or the waistline

should be visible.

All shirts and

dresses must have sleeves. Tank tops, tube tops

and shirts without sleeves are not acceptable.

Students will be

permitted to wear shorts, dresses and skirts,

provided they reach the end of the fingertips or

longer. (Splits in skirts/dresses/shorts must be

below the fingertips.) Mini-skirts, mini-dresses

and short shorts are not permitted.

Overalls may be

worn with both straps fastened and on the

shoulders. A shirt must be worn under overalls.

Pants must be worn

properly at the hips.

Chains or sharp

objects are not permitted.

Low cut,

see-through, strapless or backless dresses/shirts

may not be worn.

No student should

dress in such a way that his/her underwear is

partially or totally exposed. The waist and top

portions of boxer shorts and briefs, bra straps

and bra sides should not show.

No student may wear

any jewelry or clothing or carry backpacks which

display or suggest alcohol, drugs, tobacco,

weaponry, profanity, vulgarity, sexual innuendo,

or scatological humor.

No student may wear

any jewelry or clothing or carry backpacks which

display or suggest anything inflammatory or

degrading to a particular race, creed or culture.

No student will

wear camouflage outfits.

No student will

wear trench coats.

No student may wear

clothes with holes above the knees, in the

crotch, or under the buttocks.

Hats, headbands,

bandannas, sunglasses, stocking caps, hoods,

picks/combs, and other headgear are not

permitted.

Blouses, dresses or

skirts which expose the areas of the stomach,

side or back are not permitted.

Excessively

form-fitting or loose-fitting clothing is not

permitted.

Any

clothing/jewelry or improperly worn clothing

deemed gang related by the administration will

not be permitted.