by News Channel 8's Erin Cox

Posted Feb. 5, 2007

6:00 PM

(New Haven-WTNH) _ The cold weather is being blamed for a chilly reception that students are getting in New Haven schools. Coats are not allowed in class even if the room seems cold.

Parents have mixed opinions on the policy. Some say if kids are cold, they should be able to put on a coat. Others worry it is a security issue and students should just put on a heavy sweater.

Sixteen-year old Philip Allen was suspended from school for wearing his winter coat to class. He says it was cold in the building.

"It's uncomfortable because the cafeteria and my other classes are in the basement so it's cold," said Allen.

Other students at the Co-Operative Arts & Humanities High School admit the temperature in the school ranges from room to room.

"Certain classes are warm and certain classes are not," said student Shelby Epps.

"Some teachers don't care if we wear a coat, others do," said another student Delilah Koppelman.

There are two reasons school officials don't want students wearing coats to class. First, it is a violation of the dress code and second, winter coats raise security concerns.

"You shouldn't be able to carry anything or have anything in your pocket. It just shouldn't happen. You should put your coat away," said parent John Fucci.

Most of New Haven's 50-schools are on an automatic heating network so buildings stay at the target temperature of 70-degrees. Older buildings, like Co-Operative have older systems that are tough to regulate.

Students at many schools say since they are not supposed to keep their coats on they go with the layered look.

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