Where you stand depends on what your seat is in

BrooklynDodger previously commented on the loss of population from Detroit city; in part, this is flight to cities with perceived superior school systems. For those not Motown conversant, Southfield is a large south Oakland County suburb in the No8 belt [north of 8 mile]. Southfield was heavily Jewish. It is now majority african-american.

The dress code is a no-brainer associated with the 3-R's theory of learning [regimentation, rote and rigidity]: memorization on the way to knowledge. Uniforms symbolize Catholic schools, even more than teachers beating the kids, and Catholic schools are well known for free thought. Uniforms in prep schools throw back to their Britophile and Episcopal heritage.

At this point in fashion and cultural history, class distinction in dress - an argument for uniforms - is mostly symbolized by the label on $115 jeans [actually, this may be undermining the Dodger's deniminous argument].

Two other points. The school board says too tight and too loose are both bad [the Dodger wonders whether distaste for the male butt crack shown by sagging, compared to female cleavage is male gender centric, although this is a rule set by a female superintendent]. Second, where did this person find a $16 dollar pair of jeans? Maybe we should contact Teresa Maskfree to ask.

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Southfield schools may ban blue jeans
July 5, 2005

BY TERESA MASKFREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER

Jeans soon may be fading away from both high schools in the Southfield Public School District.

A new dress code takes aim at sagging and tight denim -- a staple in many teenage wardrobes at Southfield High School and Southfield Lathrup, in Lathrup Village.

To the dismay of those who have a closet full of them, the proposal prohibits jeans or any type of denim fabric, tank and halter tops, pajamas and sunglasses, among other items.

It's all part of the changes that have come along with a new administration. During her first year at the helm, Superintendent Beverley Geltner has been stressing the need to reduce the number of tardies, detentions and students who repeat grades.
Geltner couldn't be reached for comment, but in the past has said requiring a standard code of dress would help students focus on school.
...Board President Janie Fulton said Thursday she doesn't know when the board will vote on the issue but wants a new policy before school starts in the fall. She said her mind isn't made up about the jeans issue. But board member Darryle Buchanan, who had to wear a uniform to the Catholic school he attended as a child, said he agreed with the ban.
...Britton and Reade say they don't believe the studies that indicate uniforms equate to better academics. ...
Reade said it will be tougher for kids to find slacks and dress pants -- and more expensive. On a recent shopping trip, she said the cheapest pair of slacks she could find were $35; the jeans she bought were $16.
Contact TERESA MASK at 248-351-3691 or mask@freepress.com.