Student Dress Codes and the First Amendment

Legal Challenges and Policy Issues

By (author) Richard Fossey, Todd A. DeMitchell

Not available to order

Publication date:

30 July 2014

Length of book:

144 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475802054

Students’ early morning decisions about what to wear to school have led many school districts into legal issues and policy challenges. Confederate belt buckles, exposed bellies, sagging pants, political statements, and social commentary have all been banned from schools, and these bans have often resulted in litigation by students who claim their constitutional right to free speech has been violated.

Student Dress Codes and the First Amendment: Legal Challenges and Policy Issues explores the legal issues that arise when a school prohibits various types of student attire. Through an analysis of major Supreme and federal court cases, this volume examines conflicts that arise when administrators juggle a student’s right to free speech with the need to maintain an environment conducive to learning.

Preface
Chapter 1: What to Wear to School: The Controversy
Chapter 2: The Free Speech Rights of Students
Chapter 3: Dress Codes: Pants, Hats, and Gangs--The Clothes are the Message
Chapter 4: Drugs, Politics and the Confederate Flag: Targeted Messages on Students’ Clothing
Chapter 5: Clothing Messages About Sex, Abortion and Sexual Orientation
Chapter 6: Policy Implications of Dress Codes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
About the Authors

The legal boundaries of student expression and dress codes continue to be challenged in U.S. public schools. Recent litigation involving anti-abortion, Confederate flag and anti-gay t-shirts, gang-affiliated attire, and cancer awareness bracelets provide some guidance to school personnel but many of the court opinions are in conflict. DeMitchell and Fossey's book takes these legally complex student expression matters and presents them in an accessible format. Additionally, there are several helpful suggestions for lawyers and school personnel about drafting student dress codes. The book is comprehensive and well written. It should be on the shelf of every school administrator in the country.