Students leave after a day of classes at
Maui's Baldwin High School.

Dress code bans
revealing attire

Some teachers believe the
policy is needed, while some
students consider it unfair

You asked
Baldin facts

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By Gayle Peterson

Many students at Baldwin High began the school year wearing the latest in teen trends -- tube tops, spaghetti-strapped tops, short-cut shorts, caps and backless shirts. However, many students did not know there was a new dress policy.

Last year, a department recommended a dress policy to promote appropriate attire for students. An increasing number of students have been wearing clothing that is revealing or suggestive. A subcommittee of teachers developed the policy with some input from students and parents.

About this page Each week, Hawaii's teenage reporters and photographers will tell us about their high school. This week's school is Baldwin High on Maui. Next week: Kamehameha

Under the new policy, students are not allowed to wear clothing that reveals their breasts, buttocks, navel or back. Also, no sunglasses, bandannas, cut T-shirts or bare feet are allowed.

Students who do not follow the policy will be referred to the office and asked to remove prohibited items and change clothing immediately in the office. Infractions will be documented and parents will be notified. Repeated violations will result in detention.

Some students think the dress code is unfair and unjust.

"I feel violated that there is a dress code," said junior Karmeli Thomas. "Some people come to school to show off, but others want to look good and at the same time learn. We should be free to wear whatever you want."

Some teachers believe the policy is needed.

"With a dress code, it will help students concentrate on class," said physical education teacher Lyn Keily. "And if I were a male teacher, I would be embarrassed to tell a young lady to cover up."

There are some problems interpreting and enforcing the policy that the school administration and dress-policy committee will be addressing.

"There are too many violations and not enough security alone to enforce it," said Vice Principal Marcella McClelland. "We need to request the help of teachers to enforce it."

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You asked

What do you think we could do to prevent further terrorist attacks?

Brandon Ige
Sophomore
"By promoting world peace, our nation and other nations will prevent all terroristic acts."

Joshua Rosete
Junior
"Make airport security better. It's a disgrace that they could even hijack the planes."

Thane Ajifu
Senior
"Don't be oppressive. War is bad."

Lauren Winckler
Senior
"I don't think they can prevent it. We can retaliate and do whatever we can, but if they really want to come and terrorize us, they will find a way somehow."

Joshua Santos
Senior
"They can beef up security forces and create exams on the safety procedures. They can put sky marshals on every plane."

Andy Rodrigues
Science teacher
"Committed terrorists will commit violent acts regardless of the security."

John Guthrie
Science teacher
"Try to find out why they're mad at us."

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Baldwin facts

Full name: Henry Perrine Baldwin High School. H.P. Baldwin was a prominent businessman who led the development of the sugar cane industry on Maui.
Established: 1939
Principal: Stephen Yamada, who is in his first year at Baldwin after serving as principal of Kalama Intermediate School
Vice Principals: Phil Gilbert, Marcella McClelland
Student Activity Coordinator: Donna Vierra
Nickname: Baldwin Bears
School colors: Maroon and blue
Students: 1,750
Teachers and staff: 145

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Compiled by Amanda Folk and Cynthia Kim

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