Dress Code May Come To All Elementary Schools

Could a dress code be coming to a school near you?

The idea was floated Thursday night by San Mateo-Foster City School District Board of Trustees President Mark Hudak, who suggested the possibility of introducing a common dress policy for all 20 schools in the district. Only one school currently has a dress code policy in place.

"If there are benefits, then let's consider doing it for all the schools and have some further discussion about it," he said during the district's meeting.

The idea came up after the board received a report regarding a dress code being imposed at Horrall Elementary School in San Mateo. According to the report, more than 80 percent of the students and parents at Horrall support the idea of a dress code.

This is the second district school this year that has shown a majority of its population favors the proposal to impose a common dress code. Last month, the board approved at in San Mateo. The board voted 3-2, with Hudak and Trustee Ellen Mallory Ulrich dissenting, to approve the policy and look past concerns regarding the possibility of it stifling students' freedom of expression.

And though no action was taken at last night's meeting, it appeared the board was prepared to take the same action it had during the last vote. At which point Hudak made the proposal to discuss implementing the common dress policy district-wide.

"If we truly believe this may have the benefit we think it has, shouldn't we have a common policy for all 20 schools?" Hudak said.

He said the board should have that discussion at its next meeting on June 2, when the trustees are slated to take action on the proposal for common dress at Horrall. Should the dress code be approved there, it would be the fourth district school to have a dress code imposed.

Pros and Cons

Proponents of a dress code claim it would help reduce distractions in the classroom, as well as reduce bullying, among other positive effects.

Hudak himself seems conflicted about the idea.

"In government we should not be telling people how to think, how to dress and things of the like. I'm in favor of preserving individual choice," he said last night, echoing previous sentiments.

This philosophy was echoed by Mallory Ulrich.

"I believe the decision of what kids wear is between parents and a child and not a public shcool and a child," she said. "I think as a public institution we need to respect the rights of others."

But trustee Julie Chan was one of the three on the board in favor of implementing the dress code. She said dress codes help make students feel more safe under a reduced risk of bullying, promote focus on school work and generate equality amongst classmates.

"Students feel able to be equal with their peers and focus on their academics," said Chan, in reference to a dress code at Horrall. "I feel that as a school district it is our job to help foster that feeling, and for that reason I would definitely support this."

Trustee Lory Lorimer Lawson agreed with Chan's philosophy, and said she believes the dress code at Horral Elementary will be "a great way to forge partnerships in the school. "

Hudak called the issue of dress codes being introduced to district schools "as divisive as any" topic the board has addressed during his tenure as a trustee.

"We've rarely had 3-2 votes, but there have many been on this topic," he said.

He also suggested the board address whether to implement year-round classes to all schools, rather than just a select few in the district.