fbpx
  • Subscribe & Support
  • Print Edition
    • Get Home Delivery
    • Read ePaper Online
    • Newsstand Locations
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Submit Your Event
    • Customer Support
    • Submit A News Tip
    • Send Letter to the Editor
    • Where’s My Paper?
  • Our Newsletters
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Free HV1 Trial
Hudson Valley One
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s UP
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Subscribe to the What’s UP newsletter
  • Opinion
    • Letters
    • Columns
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Log Out
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s UP
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Subscribe to the What’s UP newsletter
  • Opinion
    • Letters
    • Columns
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Log Out
No Result
View All Result
Hudson Valley One
No Result
View All Result

Onteora school dress code tries to avoid gender-specific language

by Lisa Childers
December 2, 2017
in Education
0
As weather warms, school dress code for girls comes under scrutiny

Student dress code policy and the use of gender neutral language within the policy, discussed at the Onteora Central School District Board of Education meeting November 21 at Bennett School, resulted in a debate between trustees that led to an agreement that the policy itself is gender neutral, with broad language. But the question remained: at what point does a battle of the sexes occur? Trustee Robert Burke-Warren said he had listened to stories from students of shaming, targeting girls, “or this thing called, ‘spaghetti strap gate,’ that went on a little while ago.”

“…one could argue that there is a direct link between creating the impression that boys may not be able to control their reaction, so girls dress has to be controlled instead,” said Trustee Laurie Osmond, filling as Board President. “It’s especially important considering things that are going on nationally…”

Warren also pointed out inconsistencies. “For example, you can’t wear a hat in Middle School, but you can in High School.”

Trustee Valerie Storey said, “I’m reading this policy and I see that it’s gender neutral as it is, as it sits currently.”

The language in the dress code policy states, “The responsibility for the dress and appearance of students shall rest with individual students and parents. They have the right to determine how the student shall dress, provided that such attire does not interfere with the operation of the school or infringes upon the general health, safety and welfare of District students or employees.” It was last reviewed in 2002.

“I think the language-as-is, might not be the issue, but what trustee Osmond said, it’s the enforcement issue,” said Student Representative Ben Rauschendorfer.

Superintendent Victoria McLaren pointed out that “The details of the dress code are in the code of conduct.” But Trustee Rob Kurnit said the code of conduct has not been reviewed since 2014, though it is supposed to be checked every year by the Board with updates if necessary. “The real important part is what is going on with regulations and how it’s instituted and are they being instituted in a balanced way. I think we need to be more clear on what it means to be gender neutral and the onus has been on the females in our society and I think it’s a real problem and we should be more proactive.” McLaren suggested having students involved in the mix with all trustees in agreement. Osmond added that the Code of Conduct should also cover “students who perceive themselves to be gender neutral.”

Tags: onteora dress code
Join the family! Grab a free month of HV1 from the folks who have brought you substantive local news since 1972. We made it 50 years thanks to support from readers like you. Help us keep real journalism alive.
- Geddy Sveikauskas, Publisher

Lisa Childers

Related Posts

Kingston parents say remote instruction not as effective as in-person
Education

Parents challenge program’s fit with Montessori at George Washington Elementary

May 25, 2025
Write-ins decide New Paltz School Board election
Education

Write-ins decide New Paltz School Board election

May 22, 2025
Kingston residents split on cops in schools
Education

Ulster County 2025 school election results

May 23, 2025
The Duzine Literacy Action Plan is still finding a balance between science and fun
Education

Community forum explores potential closure of Duzine Elementary School

May 19, 2025
A celebration of more than 2,400 at SUNY New Paltz commencement
Education

A celebration of more than 2,400 at SUNY New Paltz commencement

May 19, 2025
LETTER: New Paltz United Teachers endorse write-in candidates for the board of education
Education

LETTER: New Paltz United Teachers endorse write-in candidates for the board of education

May 14, 2025
Next Post
Kingston Times letters (12/8-14)

Saugerties Times letters: 11/30-12/6

Weather

Kingston, NY
64°
Cloudy
5:21 am8:25 pm EDT
Feels like: 64°F
Wind: 3mph ENE
Humidity: 83%
Pressure: 29.38"Hg
UV index: 0
SunMonTue
64°F / 46°F
75°F / 48°F
82°F / 57°F
powered by Weather Atlas

Subscribe

Independent. Local. Substantive. Subscribe now.

  • Subscribe & Support
  • Print Edition
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Contact
  • Our Newsletters
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Free HV1 Trial

© 2022 Ulster Publishing

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s Happening
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Art
    • Books
    • Kids
    • Lifestyle & Wellness
    • Food & Drink
    • Music
    • Nature
    • Stage & Screen
  • Opinions
    • Letters
    • Columns
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Subscribe & Support
  • Contact Us
    • Customer Support
    • Advertise
    • Submit A News Tip
  • Print Edition
    • Read ePaper Online
    • Newsstand Locations
    • Where’s My Paper
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Log In
  • Free HV1 Trial
  • Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    • Hey Kingston
    • New Paltz Times
    • Woodstock Times
    • Week in Review

© 2022 Ulster Publishing