Some disagree with schools' punishments

Web posted September 11, 1999

By Faith Johnson
Staff Writer

Parents said Friday they have no problem with children being dressed neatly, but some disagree with the way the Richmond County school board wants to punish students who disobey the dress code.

The school board Thursday, by a vote of 8-2, approved a list of penalties for students who violate the uniform and dress code policies passed this summer.

The penalties range from notes being sent home to parents to in-school and out-of-school suspension to a stay at the alternative school.

Several parents called The Augusta Chronicle on Friday to voice their opinion on the new penalties. Officials in the school system said they also have received a few calls.

``I can't believe they are making a child's education suffer because of clothing,'' said Sharon Campbell. She and her husband, Milton, have children in elementary and middle school. ``You can't expect a uniform to make a child a better person. Clothing can't stop a gun. If you want to show a child structure and discipline, try lowering class sizes.''

Lori Wingrove, who has two elementary school children and a middle-schooler, also said the penalties were too rigid.

``I think detention would be a good deterrent,'' Mrs. Wingrove said. ``It would get the children's attention without removing them from class. I think suspension should be for more violent crimes.''

Lois Archer, has an elementary school pupil who wears uniforms.

``I think the penalties are awful,'' she said. ``I think they are concentrating on the wrong things.''

Yolanda Freeman chose to exclude her middle-schooler from the uniform policy but said he has been hassled for wearing blue jeans.

Superintendent Charles Larke said Thursday that denim can be worn only by students whose parents do not want their children to abide by the uniform policy.

``My son is always dressed neatly,'' Mrs. Freeman said. ``I think they need to concentrate more on discipline instead of clothes. We saw two girls in uniforms fighting at the school the other day.''

Lisa Leakexcluded her elementary school pupil from the uniform policy, but the pupil and her two high school siblings follow the dress code.

``I understand and almost agree with most of the dress code,'' Mrs. Leak said. ``But some of the penalties are ridiculous.''

School officials said the penalties won't affect a majority of the student body.

``Dr. Larke and the board wanted to make sure policies were consistent from school to school,'' said Donald Porter, school spokesman. ``We recognize that everybody is not going to be pleased with the new rules. The fact remains that the punishments outlined are necessary for only a small number of students in Richmond County.''

Faith Johnson can be reached at (706) 823-3765 or faithj@augustachronicle.com.