Could school uniforms be on the horizon for Paterson Public Schools?

This fall, the district asked parents to complete a survey concerning school uniforms. The purpose of the survey was to “collect information” regarding the proposal. The survey was created in June of 2006 and was given to students in September to take home.



The school uniform would consist of a golf shirt with a school logo, and a pair of khaki pants. Although it is only an idea, students at Rosa Parks were very vocal about the idea of wearing school uniforms.



Maria Peña, a junior, said if students wear school uniforms, “we won’t have to fight over who has the better outfit.”



Another junior, Arlene Ramirez, agreed school uniforms might be beneficial.

“If we had school uniforms, we’d come to school earlier,” Ramirez said. “We won’t have to worry about what to wear in the morning.”

But other students felt that wearing a uniform infringes on their right to express themselves.

“School uniforms are a restraint [on] individuality,” said Junior Jessicalynn Ramos.

Other students agree with Ramos’ views on freedom of expression. “[School uniforms] won’t let us be unique,” said Sophomore Josue Segarra.

While many students may feel that school uniforms conflict with their free speech, the law states otherwise.

The issue of dress code came up in a recent Kentucky court case. In that decision, the judge wrote: “Style and taste in clothing … may be one of the first ways in which children learn to express their individuality and engage in self-expression.”

However, he explained that the Free Speech Clause doesn’t cushion a student’s “generalized and vague desire to express her [or his] middle school individuality.”

In other words, public schools have the right to enforce a dress code within their school. The courts feel that students have other methods or forums to express themselves, such as writing for a school newspaper.

The idea of requiring school uniforms is gaining popularity across the nation and many public school districts are considering the issue. In fact, public schools in Jersey City have required students to wear a school uniform this year.

Paterson School District officials have yet to make a decision on the proposed policy.