To the editor:

In the Sound Off section of the Journal-World someone asked the question, “Does the Lawrence school board have a dress code for teachers?”

The answer as stated: “Appropriate dress and personal appearance is essential for all professional employees.”

The original question raised additional questions for me:

¢ Why would someone ask that question?

¢ What are the guidelines for appropriate dress and personal appearance?

¢ Who determines if dress and appearance are unacceptable?

As a substitute teacher in the surrounding school districts, including Lawrence, I have often found it difficult to distinguish a difference in the dress code of students and teachers. Is it acceptable for teachers to wear jeans : without a belt? How about oversized T-shirts? Evidently, summer sandals, without socks, are considered appropriate and professional. I will not discuss “Casual Fridays”!

Almost all teachers are energetic and dedicated and may invest extra hours to ensure learning occurs. However, I feel we miss an extra opportunity to serve as role models when our clothing is too casual. It seems to me that the boundary between professional attire and casual attire has become all too blurred : possibly ignored. If you want to be professional, you have to look professional. One would be wise to follow the advice of Attila the Hun when he speaks of battle dress and armament: “One who appears as a jester of the courts will receive deference as the same.”

And: “Nothing succeeds like the appearance of success.” – historian and social critic Christopher Lasch.

Kenneth Phipps,

Lawrence