Bill to Alter School Dress Codes Vetoed

Much to the chagrin of a Monterey Park assemblywoman, Gov. Pete Wilson has vetoed her bill that would make it illegal for school districts to prohibit female students from wearing pants to school unless their parents agree to the policy in writing.

Under present law, school districts can have a uniform policy that requires female students to wear skirts or dresses but the policy must give parents the ability to request that their child be exempted.

Democratic Assemblywoman Diane Martinez’s bill, vetoed by the governor Sunday, would have required schools to get prior written consent from parents or guardians on any uniform policy that forbids clothing such as pants based on gender.