Meridian Middle School Considers Tougher Dress Code

By next year, kids attending Meridian Middle School could be wearing what amounts to school uniforms.

The district feels it would eliminate distractions from learning, save parents money and halt teasing in it's tracks.

But some families are against the idea, saying it will crush kids ability to express their individuality.

This week the Meridian School District will send ballots to parents of kids who attend Meridian Middle School.

It will ask if the school should institute a stricter dress code.

"Now the way the dress codes work, it lists a whole bunch of stuff you can't wear, gang colors and shorts that are too short. What this does is it defines the clothes you can wear," said Eric Exline, with the Meridian School District.

If passed, next fall all students would be required to wear khaki pants or skirts with polo shirts in white, black, yellow, navy or gray.

The district says they're considering the proposal because it could help kids focus better in class.

"There is some research that talks about by creating more of a standardized environment in the schools it will reduce some of your discipline issues and it does end up reflected a bit academically," said Exline.

Other arguments for the change are that parents would save money by not having to purchase the latest fashions for back to school.

And, it would be easier for school officials to manage student dress.

"You don't spend a lot of time being the dress code police. You know, "Your skirts too short. Your shorts are too short," said Exline.

But some parents are against the plan , especially after hearing from their kids.

"I saw her get visibly upset and cry at the idea that she would have to wear the same thing to school every day," said Bridget Colpitts, a concerned mom.

Colpitts says she feels the proposal would unfairly penalize all students who dress appropriately now.

"I think it takes away a student's individuality. It takes away their expression of choice," said Colpitts.

Plus, she says since the district has promised to help low income families secure the required clothing items, it would take money away from other more important items.

"If your going to put money forth for that why don't we put money into books so every student has a book," said Colpitts.

In the end the decision rests with parents.

The school's principal says at least 80 percent of families need to respond, and at least 70 percent of those parents need to approve of the plan, before it can go to the school board for a vote.

An informational meeting with the school board is being held Tuesday night.

Over the past several years, more and more schools have been considering strict dress codes.

South Junior High in Boise and Jefferson Elementary School already have rules in place that create a school uniform-like atmosphere.

Meridian, Idaho--

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Do you think that school uniforms are good or bad?

Does your school have a dress code? Do you follow it?

If your school talked about having uniforms, what would you do?
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