In 1969 the Supreme Court, in "Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District," established the right of students to freedom of expression in school unless the exercise of that right would materially and substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline or collide with the rights of others in the school.…

The Physical Education program at San Rafael High School seeks to boost students' sense of identity and self worth by abolishing rigid rules and dress codes and allowing students to choose from elective courses. The school administration has made commitments to the program and student enrollment is increasing. (SJL)

Discusses library services to prison inmates. Topics include self-improvement for inmates; library collections; the public's attitude toward inmates and its effects on library services; due process of law and the Fifth Amendment; dress codes and procedures; reference interviews; differences in women's and men's prisons; information technology; and…

A Tucson principal learned that denial and traditional administrative strategies cannot mitigate evolving gang activity. He recommends that school leaders use respect; provide relevant programs; establish a zero-tolerance policy for weapons, drugs, and violence; create parent patrols; keep video records; regulate attire; welcome police; support…

In December 2000, Dr. Thomas Earl Midgette had harsh words for the hip-hop movement that was sweeping his campus. When he was interviewed for an article in "Black Issues" titled "The Miseducation of Hip-Hop," Midgette didn't hold back: "You see students walking on campus reciting rap lyrics when they should be reciting…

This article discusses practical guidance on schools' legal rights and responsibilities with respect to students, programs, and curriculum. Like all other individuals, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students are guaranteed equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution and free speech and association under the…

Appearances are deceptive, the saying goes. However, we devote much time to the presentation of ourselves, and ties and necklaces can take up more energy than other "substantial" matters. This article analyzes the history of the presentation of selves in schools through the study of school uniforms. It will be claimed that modernity…

Deploring the prevalence of intimidating behavior at a new Texas middle school, assistant principals acted to suppress all gang activity and enforce a dress code and hallway discipline. With immediate problems under control, they intervened to reduce student anonymity, inform teachers via e-mail about unusual activities, and involve students in…

From kindergarten to college, transgender and gender-nonconforming students face many challenges in school and classroom settings. The 2003 School Climate Survey, conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, shows that more than 25% of transgender students reported experiencing verbal or physical harassment because of their gender…

Discusses the extent to which public recreation programs can regulate attire which many people might consider offensive, noting that the U.S. Supreme Court states that school boards have the authority to decide what constitutes appropriate behavior and dress in public schools. One case involving a student who wanted to wear a Marilyn Manson…

Many view the problem of violence as not merely a school problem, but as a much larger community problem that is finding its way into the schools. As a society, in addition to teaching our children how to be violent, we are giving them the tools of violence. There are steps that school board members can take to establish and maintain control of…

Explains how a survey of staff, students, parents, and community members was used to develop an equitable and effective high school dress and behavior code. Describes the sanctions established for violations and a mandatory after-school instructional program for students suspended from regular classes. (Author/PGD)

Describes a dedicated principal who restored order and doubled enrollment at one troubled Washington, DC, elementary school. His efforts involved instilling a sense of stern discipline and an ethic of striving for excellence. He creates partnerships with local businesses and organizations, involves parents, requires uniforms, knows every child,…

One of the challenges facing school systems is creating an effective student handbook of current school policies. This report reviews the literature concerning federal and state statutes, district policies, and the professional literature concerning the implementation of a school wide discipline policy and plan that can be codified in a handbook.…

This article addresses the democratic rhetoric taught in a Costa Rican High School and the ways in which that rhetoric clashed with school practices that revealed hierarchies based on race, ethnicity, class, and religion. This contradiction was rendered visible through student elections, the Independence Day celebration, and civic acts. Through…