LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Lake County School Board members say the recent Central Florida homicides, specifically the Trayvon Martin and Cady Way incidents, have prompted the push for strict dress code.
The dress code was approved on first reading Monday. It requires solid colored, collard shirts, along with solid pants, shorts or skirts. No tears in clothing will be allowed and only corduroy, cotton, twill or solid denim are approved.
School Board member Kylenn Fisher reversed her long-standing opposition to uniforms because she says students should focus on school rather than style. She proposed the amendment.
"[This new uniform dress code] will make it easier to identify a student that is not dressed appropriately and it will make it easier to identify a student that needs attention as they walk in the building," Fisher said in a release.
The superintendent can waive the policy for certain students with religious or medical reasons.
The school board is pushing for residents to email them with comments at comments@lake.k12.fl.us. There were already 100 emails sent to school board members as of Thursday, with the vast majority of people opposing the dress code, a school board spokesman confirmed to Local 6.
You can also see the full list of the proposed dress code requirements by going to the Lake County School Board's website.
On June 18 at 6 p.m., a meeting where the final vote will be held on the topic will take place in the county administration building. Public comment is expected.