School’s dress code policy a plus

An update at Tuesday night’s school board meeting underscored the importance of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District’s dress code policy, which bans the colors red and blue from students’ wardrobes. Instituted in the fall of 2008, the dress code was initiated at Sonoma Valley High School and Altimira and Adele Harrison middle schools to alleviate pressure from gang influence. Two years later, the ban is having a positive affect with less disciplinary action necessary according to both the school district and school site administration.

Adele Harrison Principal Karla Conroy said she can vouch for the safety of her students with regard to gangs but that the dress code takes away the “intimidation factor.”

SVHS Vice Principal Paul Touhy reiterated Conroy’s feelings taking it a step further by saying that it has actually taken the edge off of gang affiliation or what he called “wanna’ be” gang affiliation. “We didn’t put a policy in place just to put a policy in place. If students feel safer at school, it’s because we’ve changed the culture on campus,” said Touhy. “The ban has become easier every year. It began as an education process with students but now, they don’t see it as a big deal or hassle.”

Student trustee Alex Moore felt differently, however. “From a student’s point of view, I don’t agree with the ban. I don’t feel that the red and blue ban is the reason for the decrease in disciplinary action. The types of kids who had borderline gang affiliation have left the school and that’s why it feels different. I think people should be able to wear whatever they want and I also feel that gang-wise, students aren’t a threat at the high school. I feel very safe.”