MI- Saggy Pants Ban Proposed For Pontiac Schools

10-4-2008 Michigan:

PONTIAC, Mich. -- A new dress code policy has been proposed that, if accepted, would ban wearing saggy pants in Pontiac schools.

The new policy would require a belt to be worn with any pants that do not stay up at the waist on their own. Belt buckles and large metal decorative belts, however, will not be allowed.

-OK, I'm confused, no belt buckles, won't that result in saggy pants?

The updated dress code for Pontiac schools would also require that all shirts have a collar and be tucked inside the student's pants. All shoes will need to be worn at all times and must have a back or a strap around the heel.

Pontiac school trustees also hope to pass an anti-bullying and harassment policy that would ban verbally or physically abusive behavior. Harassment and bullying includes any hurtful verbal, graphic or physical act that is perceived as being motivated by a person's race, color, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

The policies are to help the schools have safer school environments.

A meeting is to be held within the next few weeks to discuss the new policies. Then a public hearing will take place in order to get input, as the trustees would like to hear from students, parents and members of the community first.

Consequences of disobeying the policies are currently being decided, although it will depend on the severity and degree of the harm of the act, as well as the age of the student. Contacting parents to bring appropriate clothes to the school, detentions and parent-student conferences are a few examples of the potential punishments. Suspensions will be the last resort.

Hats and bandanas along with any other form of head wear is prohibited from being worn within the building during regular school hours. Any head covering that involves religious expression must be cleared with administration by the parents or guardian of the student before being worn in Pontiac schools.

-Religious issues? Sounds like trouble..

Flip flops, low-cut tank tops, shirts that expose the midriff, short skirts and all shorts are not allowed at school or its extracurricular activities.

Other Michigan school districts, such as Flint, have also recently banned saggy pants. Flint police determined that wearers of saggy pants are subject to up to a year in jail and up to $500 in fines. According to Flint police, wearing pants that expose the buttock is considered indecent exposure. ..News Source.. by ClickOnDetroit