WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	School dress code faces court challenge (Waterbury-WTNH) _ Since it went into effect last year, Waterbury's school dress code has gotten overwhelming public support. But now four families are in court challenging the dress code and uniform policies. The policy bans jeans, and specifies what styles and colors kids can wear. Supporters say it reduces distractions and keeps kids focused on learning, but opponents say it violates their rights. News Channel 8's Ned Berkowitz reports. It's the end of another school day at Waterbury's Kennedy High School. On the fashion front, jeans are out and khakis are in, but this is no ordinary fashion statement. Jeans are out, along with certain color tops, because they're outlawed by the city's dress code. Parents have expressed overwhelming support for the policy, even though their own kids may disagree. Rita Matozzo, Waterbury Parent: "It saves a lot of commotion in the morning, kids getting ready for school, and I think parents who don't agree with it - they must be out of their mind." Vincent Matozzo, Student: "I don't really like it cause I think it limits individualism. They should let the kids wear what they want to wear." In Waterbury superior court today a school board member testified the dress code saves parents money, reduces taunting and fights over fashion, as well as clothing theft, and makes wearing gang colors nearly impossible. And the board says without baggy jeans, students can't conceal weapons, a major concern following recent episodes of school violence. But most kids we spoke with have their doubts. Erik DeVito, Student: "Clothes aren't gonna change how people act in school and stuff. No matter what they're wearing, they're still gonna be like they are." Antoinette Padilla, Student: "I don't think it's a bad idea but I don't see how the consequences are really legal. They can't deny someone an education because of jeans." Four Waterbury families, whose kids have been suspended for ignoring the code, say it violates their civil rights, and the rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit. Ned: "Is it worth giving up a little bit of freedom to reduce thefts, to reduce fighting?" Fred Krug, C.C.L.U. Attorney: "We don't think any of the positive effects, if indeed that's the case, would be in any way affected by making this a voluntary policy." Miguel Escalera, Attorney for Waterbury: "They're on the wrong side of this issue. They ought to be standing up and applauding the effort of Waterbury to break down the barriers between children." The plaintiffs say they don't object to dress code policies that ensure students' safety and health or minimize classroom disruptions, but they say the Waterbury policy goes well beyond that. 12 year old Teshana Byars today testified that the code infringes on her freedom of expression. The school board says the dress code still allows students to express, and that it's already improved the educational atmosphere at every school in the district. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

School dress code faces court challenge
(Waterbury-WTNH) _ Since it went into effect last year, Waterbury's school dress code has gotten overwhelming public support. But now four families are in court challenging the dress code and uniform policies. The policy bans jeans, and specifies what styles and colors kids can wear. Supporters say it reduces distractions and keeps kids focused on learning, but opponents say it violates their rights.
News Channel 8's Ned Berkowitz reports.

It's the end of another school day at Waterbury's Kennedy High School. On the fashion front, jeans are out and khakis are in, but this is no ordinary fashion statement. Jeans are out, along with certain color tops, because they're outlawed by the city's dress code. Parents have expressed overwhelming support for the policy, even though their own kids may disagree.

Rita Matozzo, Waterbury Parent: "It saves a lot of commotion in the morning, kids getting ready for school, and I think parents who don't agree with it - they must be out of their mind."

Vincent Matozzo, Student: "I don't really like it cause I think it limits individualism. They should let the kids wear what they want to wear."

In Waterbury superior court today a school board member testified the dress code saves parents money, reduces taunting and fights over fashion, as well as clothing theft, and makes wearing gang colors nearly impossible. And the board says without baggy jeans, students can't conceal weapons, a major concern following recent episodes of school violence. But most kids we spoke with have their doubts.

Erik DeVito, Student: "Clothes aren't gonna change how people act in school and stuff. No matter what they're wearing, they're still gonna be like they are."

Antoinette Padilla, Student: "I don't think it's a bad idea but I don't see how the consequences are really legal. They can't deny someone an education because of jeans."

Four Waterbury families, whose kids have been suspended for ignoring the code, say it violates their civil rights, and the rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit.

Ned: "Is it worth giving up a little bit of freedom to reduce thefts, to reduce fighting?"
Fred Krug, C.C.L.U. Attorney: "We don't think any of the positive effects, if indeed that's the case, would be in any way affected by making this a voluntary policy."

Miguel Escalera, Attorney for Waterbury: "They're on the wrong side of this issue. They ought to be standing up and applauding the effort of Waterbury to break down the barriers between children."

The plaintiffs say they don't object to dress code policies that ensure students' safety and health or minimize classroom disruptions, but they say the Waterbury policy goes well beyond that.

12 year old Teshana Byars today testified that the code infringes on her freedom of expression. The school board says the dress code still allows students to express, and that it's already improved the educational atmosphere at every school in the district.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.