COSTA MESA/NEWPORT BEACH : Schools’ Dress Code Allows Discretion

Language in a proposed dress code for the Newport-Mesa School District leaves to individual schools’ discretion what constitutes overly loose clothing, “disruptive” hair colors and styles.

The proposed policy, which won tentative approval from the board of trustees Tuesday, is designed as a framework of minimum standards across the district, with a provision that each school could refine it.

Some board members balked at phrases stating that students’ clothing must “present an acceptable moral standard,” “an acceptable standard of neatness and cleanliness” and “not create or threaten disruption of the educational process,” saying they are too subjective.

Baggy clothing was one example, Board Member Martha Fluor said, “because the grunge look is in, and when your (entertainment) stars are wearing the grunge look and holey jeans, it’s hard to define acceptable.”

But Supt. Mac Bernd cautioned the board against being too specific.

“We have to be careful,” he said, “so we don’t miss the next fad. Whatever we proscribe, we can be sure (youngsters) will be very creative about finding ways to get around it.”

The proposed policy is specific in some areas, though. Strictly prohibited would be gang-related apparel, clothing with “vulgar, obscene (or) libelous” statements or sayings that denigrate any race, gender, culture, religion, ethnicity, ancestry or disability; and clothing that promotes alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances.

The board also was concerned that “appropriate discipline” designated for dress code violations was not specific enough.