Rules were made to be broken? Not for us. Rules are in place for a reason. If the rules are wrong, unreasonable, or outdated, there is a method for amending them. We believe that when someone feels strongly about the need to change a rule, he/she should go through the proper channels and make a change in a positive way. We believe that this teaches our children respect for authority and teaches them important lessons they can use in their futures.

In the instance of the dress code violation at OLHS, we believe that when a student is made to live with the consequences of breaking any rule, that is NOT the time to try to change the rule. We hold that the proper response should have been to take the punishment and address the rule afterward. We are appalled that the media jumped on this the way it did -- thus validating the reaction to what we see as a reasonable response to a violation.

While some of us agree with the dress code, there are others of us who feel it really is too stringent. We don't mind that the school/school district is taking another look at its policy. However, we wish to show OakLeaf High School and Clay County School District our support for them. We wish to show our willingness to follow rules and laws and understanding that there is a correct method for changing those rules/laws we feel should be changed.