'Gothic' dropped from school code

Restrictions remain for attire, items
BY KATE BRENNAN
FLORIDA TODAY

The Brevard County School Board agreed Tuesday to strike the word "Gothic" from its list of prohibited clothing and accessories, but will continue to ban students from wearing "extreme makeup" and gang-
related items.

The board unanimously agreed to the changes to its dress code policy during a first round of policy revisions, a lengthy process that will extend through April.

The decision came after a group of high school students petitioned the board to relax restrictions against the Gothic-style, which often features heavy makeup and facial piercings.

The changes are not what students like Amaris Mulhauser, a Rockledge High sophomore who draws tear streaks on her cheeks with black eyeliner, or her friend Becca Lee, who has to cover her lip ring with duct tape at school, were seeking.

"I just really don't want to go to a school that tells me what I can wear regardless of what the dress code says," Becca, also a Rockledge High student, said at Tuesday's meeting.

The district's other prohibitions on things such as piercings and clothing and accessories that convey messages that are violent/death-oriented or sexually suggestive will remain in force.

School Board member Larry Hughes recommended removing the word "Gothic" from its dress code policy, since it is the only style subgroup specifically listed.

"When we talk about baggy pants, we don't talk about a rapper, gangster or surfer or whatever the latest group is," said Hughes.

The board will review the policy several more times before an April 22 public hearing and final vote.

While board members agreed to preliminary changes to the policy, they debated how to define "extreme" when it comes to students' hair styles, hair color and makeup.

Board Chairman Robert Jordan said he wants the dress code policy to be implemented consistently at all schools.

In other action Tuesday, the Brevard County School Board decided to lift its ban against fliers and once again allow some outside groups to send promotional papers home with students, but only once a month.
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