The Arlington Independent School District decided Thursday not to pursue a standardized dress code.
The school board talked Thursday night about following the lead of other districts and requiring solid-colored tops and jeans or khakis. But the board voted 4-3 to not pursue the idea any further.
The district had been researching standardized dress codes since last year. Administrators said principals were overwhelmingly in favor of the idea.
"I think many people feel like it will help the educational process and that it will take students' thoughts off of what they have on that day," Superintendent Jerry McCullough said. "I think it's also a safety factor, too, in that you can tell real quickly who belongs on campus and who doesn't."
But parents were divided.
"I think it's a great idea," Teresa Guyden said.
Ellena Fleischman, another parent, said, "I think it's pretty stupid."
Parents who support the idea said it's a cost-cutting measure for parents and prepares students for the future.
"I think it's a little more professional. They're a little more focused, and they're just ready to go to school and ready to learn," Erika Rivas said.
But Fleischman said clothes are her son's way of expressing himself.
"If you put everyone in the same clothes, nobody's going to have their own personality anymore. They're not individuals anymore," she said.
