A school dress code is causing outrage in Pasco County. Parents and students at Ridgewood High School were informed about the modified dress code in July.

  • New dresscode permits crew necks T-shirts, polos and botton downs
  • Logos should be no larger than a quarter
  • Jean shorts are not permitted

It began getting enforced two weeks ago, but many still don’t want to comply.

Students trickled in Tuesday morning to Ridgewood High School wearing plaid T-shirts with graphics, and V-necks -- all violations of the modified dress code.

“It's an issue when I feel like my self-expression is personally threatened," said student Hunter Banaciski.

The district and school decided to modify the dress code to encourage good behavior and improve academics.

Banaciski started a Facebook page with members against the dress code and planned a silent protest. More than 200 students and parents came to show support.

“I think they are way too old to impose such a strict dress code on them. They're high school students,” said parent Pat Morris. "If there is a behavioral problem or gang problem it needs to be addressed at that level."

Hunter Banaciski’s father, Kenny, also waved a sign in protest. He received a phone call from Hunter's younger brother, Mitchell, a half-hour into the school day saying he was being sent home.

“My youngest son Mitchell is in that school wearing an 'Alpha Company' T-shirt from the US Army and he got dress coded and is being sent home," explained Banaciski.

“My whole class, almost my whole class got sent there," recalled Mitchell, who said between 30 and 40 other kids were also sent home.

On the Facebook page, pictures were posted of students being removed from class Tuesday.

One of the students removed was Rachel Rizer’s son.

“I'm very angry because he needs to be taking the test and not be out here worried about the basketball shorts he's wearing," said Rizer.

By 11 a.m. Tuesday at least 60 students were in trouble for violating the dress code. It doesn’t appear the fight will be ending soon.

“They're going to school tomorrow, they'll be wearing the same thing, if I have to go and pick them up, I’ll come back and pick them up," said Banaciski.

The American Civil Liberties Union even joined in writing to the school and the district defending the students right to protest.