Legislation sponsored by Senator Gary Siplin (D-Orlando) that would prohibit students from wearing clothing that exposes their undergarments or that indecently exposes their body parts at school passed out of the Senate PreK-12 Education Committee on Wednesday.
Sen. Siplin, who has introduced similar legislation in previous years, said the legislation is designed to “teach our children discipline and respect for themselves and others.”
Under Senate Bill 2320, students would be verbally warned on the first offense and a parent or guardian would be notified. On the second offense, the student would be restricted from participation in extracurricular activities for no more than five days and a parent meeting would be held. On the third and subsequent offenses, the student – after the parent or guardian is notified – would receive up to 3 days of in-school suspension and would be restricted from participation in extracurricular activities for up to 30 days.
“The impetus for the bill,” said Sen. Siplin, “is to put the focus back on learning in the classroom by creating an atmosphere of professionalism and by eliminating inappropriate dress as one of the many distractions in public schools today.”
The bill will be heard next in the Senate Judiciary Committee before heading to the Senate floor.
Identical legislation is being sponsored in the House by Representative Hazelle Rogers (D-Lauderdale Lakes).
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