Some N.J. schools banning hoodies

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. - The hoodie, a staple of student wardrobes, has landed on lists of fashion don'ts in some New Jersey schools.

Some schools have banned the big sweatshirts, citing security concerns.

The say contraband - cell phones, iPods and worse - can be smuggled in their deep pockets. What's more, students who skip class or break into lockers can conceal their identity from hallway security cameras by pulling up their hoods.

At William Davies Middle School in Atlantic County's Hamilton Township, R.J. Hoffman was told on the first day of school that his sweatshirt was not allowed. He left it in his locker, he told the Press of Atlantic City.

Administrators at the school say they're not targeting any article of clothing with a hood - just bulky outerwear.

The New Jersey School Boards Association, which compiles statistics on some school trends in the state, does not have data on hoodie policies. But spokesman Frank Belluscio said limitations on hoodies fit in with an emerging trend in dress codes: Schools are stopping short of requiring uniforms, but setting stricter limits on what clothes are acceptable.

In addition to banning bulky hoodies, the school board in Absecon, Atlantic County, has banned backpacks from classrooms.

But Superintendent James Giaquinto said one upgrade over the summer should make it easier for students to comply with the tighter requirements.

"We have new, larger lockers for the students this year," he said, "so there should be plenty of room."