CD: Parents to sue to keep uniforms out of schools

TIM PRATT

A group of Starkville School District parents is planning to appeal the SSD board of trustees’ decision last week to implement a dress code this fall in city schools.

The group has 10 days from the March 2 ruling to file an appeal. Plans are in the works to file an appeal in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Friday, SSD parent Sarah Coleman said in an e-mail.

Parents have hired attorneys who will be at the Starkville Sportsplex conference room today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to obtain names and collect signatures for affidavits for anyone interested in joining the appeal.

Dozens of parents have spoken out against the dress code at public meetings, on Internet comment boards and in letters to the editor. A Facebook page for people opposed to the policy had more than 420 members as of Wednesday night. But the group kept mum Wednesday on the grounds for its impending appeal.

“I can not tell you much because right now we are still working on (the appeal),” said Kate Fabel, a Starkville School District parent opposed to the policy. “The lawyers will be there (today). They can answer all the questions.”

Starkville School District officials also are keeping silent.

“It would be premature to comment at this time,” SSD Public Information Officer Nicole Thomas said.

School officials have cited safety concerns as one of the main reasons for wanting to implement a dress code.

Read complete article at Commercial Dispatch.