Posted on 07/11/2006 6:26:50 AM PDT by tuffydoodle
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Arlington school district has expanded its dress codes to include bans on mouth jewelry known as "grills" and the earlobe-stretching practice known as gauging.
"The district is having to respond to fads because they've become distracters or a safety hazard for those around them," said Malcolm Turner, the district's executive director of student services.
The nearby Irving, Grand Prairie and DeSoto districts also ban grills, and some also address gauging -- the process of placing increasingly large items in the ears to stretch the lobes.
But students said the body modification is simply self-expression.
"Really, a grill is just like an earring. It's fashion," said Sam Houston junior Devonte Wright, 16.
Others said it was unfair to ban such jewelry after students had purchased the expensive items, such as a $200, six-tooth white-gold diamond-cut grill. The price ranges from $180 to $3,000 at J's Grill in Arlington.
"If they bought it, they should be able to wear it," said Sam Houston senior LaVeda Antwine, 17.
But school officials said they hoped to teach students that life would require them to follow specific regulations in specific settings.
"We want to instill in them a sense of modesty and a sense of community," said school board trustee Gloria Pena. "We're preparing them for the work force, and in the work force there are rules."
It's long past time that we went back to the days when kids were KIDS and parents/adults were GROWNUPS.
Kids have the right to food, shelter, clothing, if they're lucky - to be loved and protected and not to be abused.
When it comes to self expression, kids can do it once they stop being supported by their parents.
How does one talk with one of those things in their mouth?
"Blumph smufth thpthths gunthus upfff"
Translation: This thing is ripping my gums up.
Double-Dog Dittos to what you said! May I also add multiple tattoos to that list? Some of these kids look like they should be in a freakshow!
"When I was in high school it was the Principal's goal to have our shirts tucked in our pants"
A loose shirt hanging outside of the pants goes a long way toward covering up some embarrassing aspects of being a teenaged boy, it seems to me.
Yeah, but that's what notebooks are for.
"Yeah, but that's what notebooks are for."
"But, I really REALLY need to have my notebook. Really."
Hey, check this out! Texas bans garbage such as this, San Francisco embraces it.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/05/01/BAG32CIDA81.DTL
A loose shirt hanging outside of the pants goes a long way toward covering up some embarrassing aspects of being a teenaged boy, it seems to me.
The girls had a dress code also, so we didn't that problem very often.
I would have had that problem if the dress code had mandated that all girls had to wear ankle-length burlap bags.
"Girls are getting grills just to have them like the boys," she said.
So far, the guys are pleased.
You bet the guys are please, they know the "easy targets" who are easily influenced.
"The girls had a dress code also, so we didn't that problem very often.
"
Hmm...there was a girl's dress code at my High School, too, but I recall many occasions where there was a problem. I guess I had a very active...ummm...imagination.
Good point!
The downside is that it's difficult to find fashionable clip earrings today.
Leni
exactly!!!
"Hmm...there was a girl's dress code at my High School, too, but I recall many occasions where there was a problem. I guess I had a very active...ummm...imagination."
This is what most young ladies don't understand. There's no need to wear tiny, tight tops and ultra low jeans to show off. Cover up, girls! The guys will still love you and more importantly, respect you.
"This is what most young ladies don't understand. There's no need to wear tiny, tight tops and ultra low jeans to show off. Cover up, girls! The guys will still love you and more importantly, respect you.
"
I think you may have it slightly wrong. I think that the real lesson is that adolescent boys are horndogs. Dress codes are meaningless, since all adolescent boys have minds that can see through any clothing.
Where the hell does a 16,17 year old get the money for this capola? Are the parents shelling out the money?
I read it - YUCK!
"While most dentists shudder at the thought of all that bacteria growing behind the bling, jewelers who make the teeth are counting their gold."
Ah, dentists will be celebrating soon too, $$$$$$$$$ !
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