Cleveland, Ohio, Public Schools acknowledged the negative impact of gangs on the education environment by creating a gang intervention and prevention team. Advises school districts on signs to watch for, steps staff can take, and how to tell the press. Stresses publishing and reinforcing rules in a student handbook and conducting training programs…

School systems need to have a uniform reporting system of security incident data. Analysis of the data can help the district decide whether to (1) do nothing; (2) employ local police; (3) contract with a guard service; (4) hire security professionals; or (5) combine above options. (MLF)

Clothing is a primary form of gang-member identification. School boards that seek to revise dress-code policy on gang attire need to make certain they can justify their steps so that students' right to freedom of expression and the need for a safe school environment can coexist. Reviews five court cases and offers guidelines. (MLF)

Innercity students who enter a suburban school system often find themselves at a significant disadvantage, both academically and socially, and seek acceptance by flaunting gang symbols. Identifies 10 strategies for addressing the problems of gang influence in suburban schools, including involving transfer students and providing career counseling.…

Examines whether schools can or should restrict gang clothing and how to restrict gang clothing without infringing on students' constitutional rights. Concludes that a policy that stresses the importance of reducing distractions that inhibit learning is more likely to be found legal than a policy restricting gang communication via limitations on…

Addresses the authority of school officials to regulate student dress by examining school dress codes, first with respect to communicative dress--or dress that communicates speech--and then with respect to noncommunicative dress. Provides a summary of the law on dress codes and a basic set of rules to assist school officials in drafting…