The word of choice was once again "hats" and this seemingly harmless article of clothing resulted in yet another series of young voices expressing their outrage at several policies proposed by the board of education and enacted, before the board of education voted on them, by the administration of the Mineola High School.

"I find (the policies) ridiculously unconstitutional and un-American," said one of the many students in attendance at last Thursday's meeting.

The policies in question were the subject of last month's board of education meeting as well. At the September meeting students and teachers voiced their dislike of the amended Dress and Grooming Policy which in part states that hats and outer garments were found to be disrespectful, improper and potentially disruptive to the educational process when worn in the classroom and therefore are prohibited.

Other issues that arose from the discussion included the precise definition of "outer garments," the new policy prohibiting cell phones and beepers being viewed as one policy and the lack of inclusion of the Student Organization in the policy making process.

By the October meeting the definition of "outer garments" remained interpretational and the cell phones and beepers policy remained one policy, however the latter issue that of the involvement of the SO, the student government, had resulted in an invitation to the SO to the work session a week prior to the October meeting and an apology from the board of Educatien and the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Jaroslaw.

SO Vice President Vishal Gandhi said the SO's appearance at the work session did in fact include an apology and about 30 minutes for the SO to address the relevant issues.

However, after the work session problems still remained. Gandhi said, "No one understands the rationale of the policy."

President Juanita Maltese explained the policy was developed after several discussions over the course of 12 years of board of education meetings and observations of other schools. She told the assembled audience at the October meeting, "When you elected us you gave us the right to make decisions."

There was only one instance that would get her and the board to vote against the policy, said Maltese, "It would take us believing that this wouldn't make a difference."

"You need to listen to your constituency," said parent Bob Nelson to the board. Nelson acknowledged the number of young people who attended the meeting and commented that the real wisdom of the evening came from the informed substantiated opinions of the students who were against the policies.

Maltese likened the situation to a pendulum where it can go too far one way as in too much freedom being allowed or it could go too far the other and too many rights would be taken away. She suggested a pendulum compromise.

"The pendulum should swing slightly towards the middle," she said though admitting, "Is this infringing upon your rights? Maybe a little."

"I think because you took away their freedom they are here," explained parent Barbara Nelson as to the reason for the room being packed with students.

"We really believe this will make an educational difference," said Maltese. However, she did offer this sliver of hope to those dead set against the policies, "There will definitely be some modifications."

Though no vote has been taken, it is quite possible that these policies will be officially enacted by the Mineola School District, what then? Gandhi offered that he believes that the students for the most part will take the policies in a dignified manner, but the student body has expressed that they will take actions against what they feel is an infringement on their rights, what that action is remains to be seen.