Why the changes in student dress and conduct rules

South Carolina is a state that observes a Confederate memorial day, but in Oconee County the school trustees have decided to restrict the wearing and display of Confederate memorabilia.  Amendments to the code of conduct and student dress policies were approved during this week’s trustees meeting.  A provision of the student dress rules now reads:  “Any garment or accessory that displays inappropriate language or images (profanity, sexual suggestion/insinuation, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, ethnic slurs, slogans/symbols that may lead to disorder, etc.) which includes the confederate flag is prohibited.”  Added to the conduct code is a driving violation for flying the Confederate flag.  In an interview airing today on 101.7/WGOG NEWS, associate superintendent Steve Hanvey explains what’s behind the policy changes.