NCJ Number
160982
Journal
School Safety Update Dated: (March 1994) Pages: complete issue
Editor(s)
J L Arnette
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Schools trying to reduce juvenile gang activity can legally establish policies restricting the wearing of gang clothing, provided that the school district has a clear and reasonable basis for a policy curtailing gang activities in the school setting.
Abstract
From a purely economic standpoint, trying to limit the growth of gang activity via restrictions placed on gang clothing is a viable option. However, schools must also address the legal issues of whether schools can or should restrict gang clothing and how to restrict gang clothing without infringing on students' constitutional rights. Judicial decisions have established that schools must substantiate the existence of a problem within their jurisdiction before restricting gang-related clothing. If a school board cannot prove that a gang problem exists, justification for gang clothing restriction is considerably weaker. Policies must be carefully written. A number of school districts are requiring school uniforms and have developed other programs, including Project COURAGE in California, designed to reduce juvenile violence and provide alternatives to gang membership.