It wasn’t just cat ears in algebra that had the Shenandoah County School Board talking Monday night. It was also why some athletes take the field dressed like a different team entirely.

Board members signaled support for tightening dress-code rules to explicitly prohibit students from wearing animal ears and tails on campus, accessories they say distract from learning and undermine the seriousness of the school environment.

Board member Thomas Streett requested the change.

“This is a school system,” Streett said. “The environment should be a school atmosphere. You’re not at home. You’re not on vacation at the beach.”

Streett said the school division should take a proactive approach.

“If we don’t allow animals in general then bottom line, what I’m saying is I think we ought to have a p

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