| School dress codes have been around for decades, | | | | rights to freedom of speech or expression at the |
| but they gained more prominence in schools and are | | | | schoolhouse gate." Since this ruling, disputes over |
| stricter in recent years in response to the permeation | | | | dress code that become lawsuits generally see the |
| of gangs and violence within the schools at all levels. | | | | courts ruling in favor of the students, especially when |
| In addition to maintaining modesty within the schools, | | | | they concern religious dress. |
| dress codes now ban gang paraphernalia, colors and | | | | Though most dress code disputes remain within the |
| symbols; shirts with writing; head coverings; and | | | | Houston schools, requests for exemptions and |
| other such accessories that have been linked to | | | | complaints are on the increase. Charles C. Haynes, |
| gangs or school violence. | | | | senior scholar with the First Amendment Center, |
| Though all of the Houston schools have dress codes, | | | | studies the issue of religious exceptions to dress |
| each of the Houston schools develops their own | | | | codes and school uniforms. He notes the increase is |
| policy. One thing all Houston schools dress codes | | | | due to stricter dress code policies to ensure a safer |
| have in common is an allowance for religious | | | | environment, as well as the growth and organization |
| accommodation. When Houston schools students' | | | | of some minority groups that are becoming more |
| religious traditions and dictates conflict with school | | | | vocal. |
| dress codes, exemptions may be made. With the | | | | Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh-Day Adventists |
| diversity being felt by the Houston schools in recent | | | | were the first to dispute the dress code policies of |
| years, Houston schools principals are striking a | | | | the Houston schools. Currently, the Muslims are at |
| delicate balance between religious freedoms and | | | | the forefront, though other groups, such as Hindus |
| safety issues on an increasing basis. | | | | and Sikhs, are beginning to organization, as well. |
| One example is the Houston ISD campus, which has | | | | Though some Islamic dress and traditions are not |
| students from 72 countries. Principal Steve Amstutz | | | | mandatory, such as males wearing beards, many |
| receives many dress code exemption requests each | | | | Islamic scholars recommend them. Muslimas (Islamic |
| year. His policy is to meet privately with a student | | | | females) experience problems when uniforms are |
| requesting a waiver to discuss the matter. If the | | | | required to be worn or the school does not allow any |
| request is genuine and religious-based, the exemption | | | | headwear. For many, they wear the traditional Islamic |
| is granted. | | | | robes (jilbab or abaya) and hijab (head scarf). Many |
| In the precedent-setting 1969 Supreme Court | | | | Islamic students see it as their duty to adhere to |
| decision of Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School | | | | their religious traditions, especially around the holiday |
| District, the court ruled, "It can hardly be argued that | | | | of Ramadan. |
| either students or teachers shed their constitutional | | | | |