Wednesday, May 1, 1996

High School Bans Uniforms From Class

By Associated Press

ROUND ROCK, Texas (AP) - Citing school board rules, the principal of Round Rock High School says it's OK for cheerleaders to raise spirits - but not hemlines.

Principal H. Lynn Russell says the rules are clear: female students aren't permitted to wear skirts that don't reach their fingertips when their arms are at their sides.

Since cheerleader uniforms don't even come close, they can't be worn in classrooms.

Some students aren't happy. Two weeks ago, the campus newspaper, The Spitfire, bashed the new rule as a damper on school spirit.

"It will bring the morale of the school down," said Jenny Johnson, assistant head cheerleader. "It's kind of sad to see that tradition leave."

Head cheerleader Jenn Smith agreed. "I think it's going to ruin school spirit just a little bit. Every sport has its own way, and that has been the tradition for cheerleaders," she said.

For years, cheerleaders at Round Rock and other district high schools have worn their uniforms to class on game days to boost school spirit.

But beginning in August, the practice will be banned under a new districtwide cheerleader's handbook adopted by the school board.

At least that's Russell's interpretation. At the district's two other high schools, Westwood and McNeil, the tradition will continue.

"Why don't you put that on the front page of your newspaper? That two schools aren't going to follow school board policy and Round Rock High School is," Russell told the Austin American-Statesman in Tuesday's editions.

Westwood High Principal Linda Watkins believes the new policy leaves the dress code decision up to principals. She plans to continue to allow cheerleader skirts in class.
Interim McNeil principal Darryl Phillips said he doesn't think the tradition will end at that school, either.

"I wouldn't foresee a change in policy, unless we picked a brand new suit that was great for tumbling and making pyramids but not appropriate for class," he said. "I think they look very nice. We're happy to have them wear them during school."

The new handbook grew out of the district's desire to set clear and consistent rules. Many of the changes - such as limits on the number of uniforms and a ban on participation in cheerleader competitions - were designed to reduce costs to parents.

Cheerleaders must follow numerous regulations, including a ban on chewing gum and "overt displays of affection." But the dress code appears open to interpretation.

It says "game day" uniforms can only be worn to school if they meet school district and campus dress code regulations. It also says cheerleader uniform guidelines "will be the responsibility of each campus," and that the decision on whether a skirt meets district and campus standards "will be made by the principal."

Barbara Logan, a curriculum official who headed the cheerleader task force, said the dress code was changed because "what is worn in school should not detract from the learning environment."
"The drill team doesn't wear the uniform to school either," she said.

Russell told his cheerleaders that the change was prompted by parents of noncheerleaders, who complained of a double standard. Their daughters were sent home for not conforming to the dress code, while cheerleaders wore short skirts to class without punishment.