http://66.225.205.104/JD20080825.mp3
Today is more than the first day of school for students in Catawba County. It's also the first day of a new, controversial dress code. The standardized code bans any clothing with manufacturer logos. Shirts must have collars and must be tucked into pants. Pants must also be worn at the waist - no sagging jeans that expose underwear are allowed. Jeans and cargo pants are also banned. There are also particular colors that must be worn. Students can only wear tops that are gold, garnet, white, pink or gray. Pants or shorts can only be khaki, black or navy. The Catawba Valley School Board adopted the dress code last in November. The board believes that a standardized dress code will de-emphasize socio-economic differences, minimize disruptive behavior and improve the images of schools. Students who don't comply will be provided proper clothes for the day. Students who continue to violate the dress code will be subject to disciplinary action set my individual schools. An advisory committee will be established to monitor the he program.