Date Published: January 23, 2008

I just read Frank Cerabino's column, "State sinks to new low with law on saggy pants" (Jan. 11) and I'd like to applaud him for his consistent ability to make light of the most outrageous situations.

I truly question the sanity of our legislators and local officials who are working to criminalize the attire of our young men. I am as offended as anyone else when I am forced to look at the underwear of our youth, but suspension and arrest are not the answer. Those of us who in the '60s wore our skirts several inches shorter than most of society approved of are shuddering at the notion of being arrested for what may have seemed to some as poor fashion judgment.

It's no secret that children of color are severely over-represented in our juvenile justice system. Palm Beach County students were suspended for a total of 65,000 days last year. The majority were black and Hispanic. Who do we suppose are most likely to be seen with their pants "drooping"? How can we stand by and allow this fashion statement - albeit unsightly - to be criminalized?

Has anyone taken a look at the cost associated with additional arrests and suspensions? I submit that money can be better spent on educating and mentoring our young men of color. We cannot afford any additional dropouts, and we certainly cannot afford higher numbers of our young men with unnecessary criminal records.

Editor's note: Barbara Cheives is a member of the Blueprint Commission created by Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice.

Barbara Chieves
Palm Beach Post
January 23, 2008

Source: Palm Beach Post

Posted on 01-24-2008 @ 12:09