In many schools there have been bans and restrictions on certain colors, revealing outfits, and certain gang related memorabilia, these bans were for a good reason and are to keep order in the schools. In the past year there has been a new dress code in the St. Vrain Valley School District that states that students can’t wear articles of clothing that have the logo or insignia of ICP; ICP is a rap duo that has a reputation of violence and committing crimes. ICP is said, admittedly by its own members in a Rolling Stone article, to be one of the most hated rap groups and lately is becoming a problem in schools and outside of schools in certain parts of the United States.
“This has been an ongoing problem,” said Paul Francisco, assistant principal from Olde Columbine High School. He stated that there have been many reports of gang activity and incidents involving tagging of the logo ICP. He stated that it wasn’t the fact that they were offended or had anything personal against them; the ban was handed down to the school from the district. The fact that these groups have been established as a gang and are affiliated as a gang in the law’s eyes is why the ban is in effect. The ban is followed at many schools, the approximate number is 9 high schools in the district; it is also banned at many other school nationwide. There have been reports of people using ICP as an insignia for their gang and baseing their crimes and life around the rap group and what they represent. This isn’t necessarily ICP’s fault; it’s the people who are using their style and music lyrics as a way of life.
There is one incident that stands out the most that involves
a student from Fort
Wayne at Westview High
School. The student’s name is Joseph Draper. He was suspended
for wearing a t-shirt with one of ICP’s logos on it at school; he later
returned to the school still not complying with the school’s dress code. They
then expelled him from that school; this went to civil court months later. Even
though this has been a problem not only throughout the district but also
throughout the United States
this ban is not for every school, only the select few.
