I’ve been following the local debate about school uniforms with interest.  Mainly because I would LOVE to see my son’s school go to a uniform system.  I was a little bit surprised when I found out they didn’t have a more specific dress code or a uniform system, given that it’s a school of choice here.

I have read all of the letters to the editor criticizing the plan and seen the comments from unhappy parents in articles, but I just don’t get the opposition.  To me, it seems like there is a good reason this particular school has chosen to take this route.  Needless to say, safety is paramount in a school setting.  That’s a no-brainer.  And in elementary school particularly the disparity between the haves and have nots tends to be really obvious.  I remember a student in my elementary school that was well known as “the poor kid.”  The reason?  The clothes he wore.  He was ostracized for it (starting in kindergarten we noticed how “different” he was…yes, it CAN start that young) and never overcame that perception.  In a school like J. Glen Edwards where 80% of the students are on free or reduced lunches, uniforms can be a great equalizer.  And based on what I’m reading, there was ample notice given by the school.  Ignorance (in my opinion) does not count as an excuse, especially when it seems like most of the parents were aware of the changes.  Get involved with the school and take the time to find out what’s going on and use the opportunities you’re given to provide input.  I read that a survey was sent home with the kids last year to get the parent reaction on uniforms.  The vast majority were in favor.

This particular school’s academic attire policy is pretty liberal…the kids can wear any solid color of shirt as long as it is collared or turtleneck.  Pants must be khaki, black, or navy.  The uniform style clothes are not difficult to find.  With so many school across the nation going to plans like this, many places are offering these clothes for elementary age kids.  If Wal-Mart isn’t your favorite retailer, try Target, JCPenney, Children’s Place, or any number of other stores.  The ones I just mentioned even have special sections on their websites with nothing BUT school uniform attire.

As a mom, this would certainly make my life easier.  No scrambling every night (er, make that morning!) to be sure we have something clean and appropriate for school.  I’d basically end up with 2 loads of laundry every week to be sure he had something clean each day.  We could get by with 5-6 shirts and maybe 3 pairs of pants/shorts.  It would eliminate arguments.  That’s not a problem now, but I am sure that my opinionated child will care later on.  Back to school shopping would be so easy.  For me there’s no downside.

I understand the concerns that it restricts individuality and I do agree to a point.  But individuality is not expressed only through clothing.  And we’ve restricted things like hairstyle and jewelry for a long time in schools.  These are other methods of expression that have generally come to be accepted as OK to monitor and restrict.  What about their backpacks, lunchboxes, school supplies, etc?  Have them express their individuality in their choice of after-school activities.  Let them pick the colors of their shirts and allow them some autonomy there.  I’d even support a school uniform program that had a relaxed Friday where kids could wear anything they wanted (within reason) or a T-shirt of their choosing.  Several of the private schools where I grew up did this and it was successful.

Finally, proof of the success of the uniforms was mentioned in today’s paper…disciplinary referrals are WAY down at this school so far this year.  I’ve forgotten the exact numbers, but I was very impressed.  (Maybe it was 1 so far this year vs. 14 at this point last year?)  After volunteering in my son’s classroom for a couple of hours Monday morning I can see just how much of a problem discipline really is.  And these kids who have a hard time behaving aren’t just hurting themselves.  Their behavior affects the whole class in a way that is incredibly sad.  There will always be the kids who have a hard time sitting still or controlling their impulses but research and anecdotal evidence have proven that uniforms can and do make a difference.

So my opinion is that I would love to put my kids in uniforms, particularly based on the guidelines laid out by this local school.  I don’t see a problem with giving every child equal footing through their clothing.  My child would still be able to express himself because that’s just the way he is.  We’re not taking away their personalities by mandating a uniform dress code.  We’re making their learning environment safer and more balanced.