OCR Text |
Show WASATCH COUNTY COURIER like North Davis country with uniform policies said our state would be wide open for a lawsuit if we did not have an opt-out provision.” Morgan said she heard school officials from across the — state complain the opt-out provision was too vague. She sponsored an amendment this year stating that parents who do not want their children to wear uni- forms must ask for a waiver before school starts or within 15 days. after enrolling a stu- dent. The law goes into effect April 30. highs are in the process of voting on whether students will wear uniforms next year. _ Sunset Junior High Principal James Schmidt said about 12 percent of his students opted out of wearing the uniforms. Also, there are a number of students who have not opted out officially but are not wearing uniforms. Officials are finding it diffi. approximately 70 percent of par- cult to enforce the uniform pol- ents voted for the uniform — more than 65 percent parents have requested children be exempt from ing uniforms. At North icy policy of the their wearDavis more than 40 percent of the parents have requested their chil- dren not wear uniforms. | School officials say parents are caving in to their children’s - desire not to wear uniforms. “It seems the popular kids opted out first, then others followed. Parents know their rights and requested their children be exempt,” said Rocky Mountain | Principal Darwin Brimhall. Rocky Mountain and Mount because parents do not want to be troubled. “Theyre still dressed nice. It’s a tough position to be in. Do we send them home or do we ignore it?” Schmidt said. South Davis Junior High in | Bountiful had 12 percent of its . Student body opting out of wearing uniforms this year. Parents at Central Davis will vote on a uniform policy for the first time, but Principal Bill Fullmer said many parents have voiced concern over the high percentage of students who have opted out in other — schools. SALT LAKE CITY (AP)—The national union that represefits about 80 percent of Utah’s teachers is considering a resolution to support the needs of gay and lesbian students. If approved, the National Education Association measure would stand in contrast to state-mandated sex-educa- ~ tion laws in Utah—where teachers | are© required to teach | abstinence. “We teach abstinence only. We don’ t even say the ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ in this state in any context,” in the room, said Phyllis Sorensen, president of the NEA’s chapter, the Utah Education Association. _ In Utah, the issue of gay-straight alliance clubs in schools was the subject of a special legislative session word classUtah high and a federal court lawsuit filed against the Salt Lake City School District. The state Legislature for two years has wrangled over restricting the sex education curriculum. And gay Utah students have publicly complained of builyme ane discrimination at school. “We want our kids to be safe, and they are a safe in the schools that allow bullying and harassment. Whether we want to think we have gay, lesbian and transgender teachers _and students, they are there. We have eur got to deal with this issue,” Sorensen said. ; The resolution will be debated af the NEA’s 4 uly Representative Assembly that will include 10,000 delegates from throughout the nation. The Utah Education Association will send 120 elected delegates to the annual meeting. Though the resolution is designed to send a message, it _ probably won’t have any bearing on Utah schools, — the . curriculum is set by the state. ~~ The proposed resolution suggests developing programs that promote a safe and inclusive environment” for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and their families. f | Lake, said, “Our attorneys watching other areas of the North Davis, Sunset, South Davis and Central Davis junior ACADEMIC PROFILE TT Rep. Karen Morgan, D-Salt - Ogden Middle School will con- tinue with uniforms next year. CAMILLE BERG ain Sa ocl BUSINESS and MARKETING ; Utah : Camille has been a four-year mem- 7 FARMINGTON, (AP)—Some Davis County ’ Junior High in Clearfield and schools that require school uniRocky Mountain Junior High in forms are holding new elec: West Haven have had a steady tions on the policy because so stream of parents requesting many parents are opting out of their children not wear unithe program. ‘forms this year. This is North Under a law enacted by the Davis’ second year in uniforms 2000 Legislature, schools wantand Rocky Mountain’s first ing students in uniforms first had year. to hold an election to get parental School oles claim uniapproval of the policy. The law _ forms have led to a decrease in also requited that schools progang problems and an increase vide an option-out provision for in students making the honor parents who did want their chil roll. dren to wear uniforms. At Rocky Mountain — where NEA Touts Measure To Support Gay, Lesbian Students small oT _ Students, Parents Opting Out on Uniforms + MARCH 28, 2001 ber of the Future Business Leaders of America and is currently serving as the FBLA Secretary. She has been able to compete and win awards in many different business competitions. Camille served as the chairman for the Sub-for-Santa Committee and was able to help provide Christmas for ten children. She is also an active member Society, Clubs. Sponsored by | BINGGELI ROCK PRODUCTS Supporting a strong foundation for education i in Wasatch County! 654-2611-654-2233 Charleston, Utah of and the National Honor the Spirit and Varsity - |