Tampabay.com
MARCH 20, 2008

Crist opposes droopy-drawers bill

Gov. Charlie Crist met Thursday morning with the NAACP State President Adora Obi Nweze whose group opposes a controversial bill the Senate passed last week which would suspend students who wear baggy pants to public schools.

The NAACP president says opposing such a proposal is an "easy" decision, since it disproportionately impacts African Americans and Hispanics, and the NAACP is already fighting zero tolerance policies in schools that "keep students out of schools." Crist agreed with her.

"I remember when I went to high school, people were worried about how long somebody's hair was. It really doesn't matter," Crist said. "What's important is what you learn, not what you wear... I think the (NAACP) president is spot on."Asked if he would veto the bill if it passes, Crist said, "Let's see if it comes to that." (It won't. The bill is as good as dead, as it's been gutted by a House council).

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