Keith A. King

Adults often criticize teen fashion trends as bizarre, indecent, or laughable. Today, however, youth fashions are condemned for more than their appearance.
Parents and school faculty have become increasingly concerned over the messages sent by the loose, baggy pants and large T—shirts favored by students-styles inspired by gang clothing. Students as young as elementary school children have been victims of street violence when they were mistaken for gang members after wearing certain colors. Faculty also point out that loose clothing makes it easy to conceal weapons-a very real threat in the modern classroom. A popular response to such concerns has been the introduction of school dress codes and uniforms. Advocates say uniforms reduce violence in schools because they stop fashion—based competition and the wearing of gang colors and instill a...