BOSTROM HIGH SCHOOL is a  300+ student alternative HS in Phoenix,
Arizona. It is for kids thrown out of other schools for truancy, incorrigibility or
other non-dangerous offenses. It is racially mixed with a plurality ---or
majority--of Hispanics. They have no special dress code---and dress has NOT
been an issue there. BUT, at SIMILAR schools across the country, unis are often
required EVEN if not required in regular schools in the same district.

      Recently, I made the following speech to students and parents gathered
for the Annual Awards Assembly. It was greeted by universal applause.


     STUDENTS & PARENTS---I want to speak today on DIVERSITY and the threats
to it in our society.
Fifty years ago, THIS district pioneered racial integration ahead of the  
national decision in the BROWN case. It is now accepted that people of all races
& colors   should go to school together. But in many communities, a NEW
threat to diversity has arisen---mandatory school uniforms. Many people believe all
  kids should dress alike for school--- and the same every day. Although this
is NOT as serious as racial segregation, such policies are a close cousin and
should be vigorously fought.

       All of you out there---adult and   student   both---are dressed
APPROPRIATELY for   school and for this event. But you are dressed DIVERSELY.   
Indeed, Bob out there---a Parent---is wearing a logo tee-shirt---which would get
him thrown out of many uniform   schools!! His son   is wearing a collared
shirt---which ironically might be OK in such schools---except that the
son---Gordon--has   a leopard pattern on his    collared shirt while most uni codes  
bar any decorations on tops---even the   nearly-invisible pin-stripes on MY
shirt which I used to wear to court when I was practicing law!!

      ALL students should wear APPROPRIATE clothes to school. But   the
diverse clothes in our audience today are PROOF POSITIVE that "appropriate" need
NOT   mean   uniform or identical or even formal clothes.   There is a TIME and
PLACE for everything.   At your graduation, a suit is appropriate, or at least
a   collared shirt and tie; at the beach, a tank top and   short swim trunks
are appropriate. But for everyday school wear,   the fancy clothes are not
necessary and the   beach clothes are inappropriate. BUT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG
with   any of the clothes you-all are wearing today for DAILY SCHOOL WEAR. Most
of you are wearing tee-shirts and levis; some of you are wearing other
outfits a little   dressier; but ALL are appropriate for public school wear.

       Most of you will soon be old enough to vote if you are not already.  
If you want to preserve the DIVERSITY that is so important to our American
tradition, you must vote down   any politicians who tell you that   kids should
be thrown out of school unless they wear the   same clothes as everyone
else---and   unless they   wear   the government's idea of a proper uniform such as
khakis or other dress pants and   a collared top.   To   conclude, as they say
in Spanish---VIVA LA DIVERSIDAD---long-live diversity.
Thank you.  

      If any of you get a chance to speak at any type of group, this
speech---with appropriate modifications for the nature of your audience--- is a likely
winner!!!/ gpk