COLUMBIA, S.C. - Lexington Rep. Tedd Pitts has sponsored a bill that would force children who attend poor performing schools to wear uniforms, but Pitts' proposal has drawn resistance from educators and other lawmakers.

The Republican said Tuesday during a House education subcommittee meeting that the mandate is not intended to be punishment for the students. He said uniforms are intended to keep students focused on school and less on fashion.

Pitts' proposal calls for a uniform dress requirement if a school receives an annual or "absolute" rating of below average or unsatisfactory two years in a row on state report cards. There are about 144 of the state's 1,132 public schools that fell into that category in the past two years, said Sandy Smith, the House education committee's research director.

Five subcommittee memebers hesitated to endorse the proposal Tuesday, but did not rule out giving the bill a favorable report later.

Pitts told the panel he came up with the idea during National Guard exercises in Texas last summer. He said he visited a department store with a prominent display advertising clothing that met local school uniform policies. He said he quizzed shoppers about the rules.

Rep. Bob Walker, who chairs the subcommittee, said he needed more time to look for research that might bolster Pitts' proposal, and he was concerned there were already guidelines in place to help low-performing schools.

"I have a problem with us mandating certain things," said Walker, R-Spartanburg.

Educators said decisions about school uniforms should come from the local level.

Rep. Michael Anthony, D-Union, said he was open to the idea but he had concerns the Legislature might be usurping local school board authority.

The South Carolina School Boards Association also said the bill raised a red flag. "It might be a stigmatizing element to put something in place," said the group's chief lobbyist Scott Price.

Dillon School District 2 Superintendent Ray Rogers said he understands uniforms have made a difference in a lot of areas, "but I don't know that would necessarily hold true in every situation."

At least one Columbia elementary school is in its first year of an optional dress code that strongly encourages students to choose attire from a recommended list.

Lonnie B. Nelson Principal Martha Roberts said the program had widespread support among parents who answered a survey a year ago.

"So far, it has gone nicely," Roberts said. The only complaint was about the choice of white shirts that seem to get dirty quickly when children are on the playground.

"Some parents do 'opt out' due to personal reasons," Roberts said. "We certainly support their choice."