Personally, I think the school is stepping into business that doesn't concern them. However, that being said, it is a private school. In essence, it is a business, which can choose to enact the standards of behavior for its students that it sees fit. If they ordered all students to color their hair purple as a condition of attendance, they would be within their rights. So, the kids have two choices. They can either comply or go to some other school.
see post 78, pls.
"If your kids were attending this school, and you didn't like the rules, you could always pull your kids out."
Yes, I realize that. I have a son who was kicked out of a private school, partly due to some allegations that proved completely false, but it didn't matter. We were not as influential as those who made the allegations (and remained in school), and the school just didn't want to bother with us. We had no rights, no recourse, and I accept that.
I simply do not think that it is any of their business what people do in their private lives as long as it does not materially affect them nor infringe upon their basic rights. I do not regard intrusion into my home life as one of their basic rights, despite their desire to control all aspects of my life.
I am a strong believer in freedom and personal responsibility. Maybe I learned that back during my 12 years of Parochial schooling, I don't know, back when such things were expected. Not to say that I look, walk, talk and act like them, far from it. I don't think they liked me because I did seek answers beyond what they could provide, and felt threatened somehow. But I did learn. I'm a loyal ex-Catholic, and I appreciate much of what they are trying to do. Just don't tell me what to do. I have the intelligence and the morals to get by just fine.
This whole thing should have been an "opt in" kind of thing, to create awareness on the part of the parents and to protect the children. That I support. And don't think the private schools have a monopoly on restrictive policies.
P.S. Back in high school, in the girl's home economics class, my buddy and I were the only two males. We were the ones wearing the "I'm a Heathen" button. The 4 ft. 6 in. nun loved us :)