BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On July 1st, Senate Bill 228, the new Code of Student Conduct law, was signed by Governor Rick Scott. The bill, sponsored by Senator Gary Siplin, (D-Orlando), received approval overwhelmingly by members of the state legislature.

The new law prohibits students from displaying their underwear or “indecently exposes their body parts” while in school.[private]

Senator Siplin said, “I’m elated that we have the opportunity to give our young folks some direction in life on how to be successful. Education is important and dress is important.”

“As they prepare for the future, they should be focusing on their appearance when they are applying not only for jobs, but for scholarships and interviews. There won’t be any excuses, but hopefully, early compliance.”

Senator Arthenia Joyner said, “We teach students all of the basics for success. We have a responsibility to make sure they are well-rounded and that they are successful in their worldly pursuits.”

“This law is to make sure that our young people are properly attired as they seek education. That type of dress is detrimental in the long run.”

A classroom teacher, Mrs. Peggy Gassett said, “I’m happy about it. I’m so offended having to look at these young guys’ underwear. It falls back to the legislation of taking religion out of the classroom. Once we took Jesus out, everything else came in.”

Ms. Doretha Edgecomb, Chairperson of the Hillsborough County School District said, “We already have that Code of Conduct in our system about what is acceptable and what is unacceptable.”

“Some things are hard to legislate because it has much to do with the student’s value of themselves and others. I sincerely hope the time will come when students pay less attention to pop culture and begin thinking about what is in their best interest. More than ever, the village needs to come together to support our children.”

The passage of the bill into law makes Florida the second state in the country to mandate that students dress professionally on school campuses.
Senator Siplin also stated he plans to launch a statewide billboard campaign to address the bill and the newly instituted “Pull Your Pants Up” law. [/private]