Here is what’s happening in Florida:
Students showing bra straps or underwear, beware. Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, wants you to cover up.
The Senate Pre K-12 Education Committee passed Siplin’s “Code of Student Conduct” legislation Monday, which requires district school boards to adopt a dress code that prohibits students from exposing their undergarments.
A first-time violation of those rules will result in the offending student being excluded from extra curricular activities. For a second offense, the student will again be excluded from activities and the principal must meet with a parent or guardian. A third offense results in in-school suspension for up to three days and exclusion from activities for up to 30 days.
Siplin said that students who dress inappropriately are adding a distraction to the classroom setting. He also said it was incumbent upon adults in authority to teach students more than reading and writing. Behavior and dress are important too, he said.
“When you come to an interview with your pants sagging or your underwear showing, you may get an interview, but as soon as you leave, your application is going to get tossed in the garbage,” he said.
The bill passed 3-0 and will now head to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
