Uniforms in L.A. schools considered

Would school uniforms mean an end to family fights over what to wear to school? Or an end to a student's outlet for creative self-expression? Would children be safer?

L.A. City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo and L.A. Unified school board member Tamar Galatzan will co-host a roundtable discussion about a proposal for uniforms in LAUSD schools.

The discussion takes place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys (Thomas Guide 532, A7)

Among the expected participants are LAUSD Senior Deputy Supt. Ramon C. Cortines; Capt. Phillip Tingerides of the LAPD’s Southeast Division; Los Angeles School Police Chief Larry Manion; Ron Avi Astor from the USC School of Education and School on Social Work; and Verna Stroud, principal at Markham Middle School.

-- Mary MacVean

Comments

[Hall Monitor]

Are uniforms the answer to the gang and drug problems that they are clearly targeting? How about a couple inspiring teachers on payroll?

Hall Monitor
http://detentionslip.org

[Angel]

An open letter to Ms Galatzan:

I am a parent of two children, a graduating senior and a first grader. I've been an active parent within LAUSD for truly 13 years at this point, with the promise of another 10 to get my daughter to graduation. I have been actively speaking out against uniforms since my son was in kindergarten. As I understand there will be a "round table" discussion tomorrow to discuss the possibility of implementation of a uniform policy within LAUSD. Unfortunately, at this late notice, I can not attend, so please place this letter in the public record

We've specifically chosen schools *without* uniforms--my son having attending Castlebay, Balboa, Lawrence Middle School, and finally Verdugo Hills High School, where he is graduating with honors. My daughter currently attends Van Gogh in Granada Hills. The bottom line is that LAUSD does not need a uniform policy. For each argument for uniforms, I feel there is an equally compelling argument against a uniform policy.

Parents claim it's a safety issue because intruders can be spotted immediately. How? We live near a school that requires white tops and dark bottoms. Anyone within a mile of this school knows what San Fernando Middle School kids dress like. In addition, all "free dress" days negate that safety issue immediately. Are we to believe the children are less safe on picture day or free dress day?

Parents claim uniforms "level the playing field." The truth is that even at schools with uniforms, the khakis from the Gap are more prestigious than the ones from Target. All that happens is that the focus moves to more expensive sneakers, jewelry, or whatever the trend might be. It is the responsibility of parents to raise their children with values. Uniforms do not take that responsibility away.

Parents claim uniforms are cheaper. I dress my children appropriately, and my son often wears nicer clothes than a simple polo shirt to school so he doesn't have to change before his internship at PADRES Contra El Cancer. My daughter wouldn't be caught dead in a polo, except as part of her bowling uniform. I'd be forced to buy "school clothes" and then clothes for every other occasion. I hardly see the savings in needing to buy a set of 5 outfits for school in addition to a regular wardrobe.

Parents claim uniforms make dressing easy--with no arguments. Both my kids get dressed in 5 minutes flat. We don't have arguments over inappropriate attire, because I'd never purchase it, and they wouldn't wear it to school. Every school has a right to enforce a simple dress *code* that stipulates how long skirts and shorts must be, what can be printed on T-shirts, and what type of head gear can be worn. The consistent enforcement of these types of policies will resolve most issues.

Every day LAUSD makes it more and more challenging to be an active, involved parent and not want to join the growing group of homeschooling parents. Please don't give me another reason to leave a district that I've been able to navigate for over a decade.

[Kalissa]

please please please dont make them wear uniform...it would kill them kids...they dont wanna wear uniform...especially not me because i live in louisiana and i've worn uniform everysince kindergarden....i dont wanna wear uniform when i move to los angeles

[confucius]

Uniforms would make the school safer but at the price of freedom of expression. You have to judge what is more important. Safety or freedom of expression. I choose safety. Also, I would not only students to dress nice, but also like to see the teachers dress more professionally too. I have seen veteran teachers come to school in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. This creates an unprofessional environment and sends mixed messages to our students.

[MA]

My daughter will start her kindergarten this year and I am already worried about how many dresses I need to buy for her and it is very obvious when you have options you take more time to choose and you spend atleast sometime to think about it.When you have no options ,like you know you have to wear only your uniform so what dress you will wear tommorow morning never bothers you.There is no mix and match or there is nothing like I look good in this dress or this dress does not suit me.

With uniforms at school education will be more disiplined ,just like the police officers or fire fighters uniforms should be incorporated. Freedom of thoughts can be always taught by asking them to draw or design the kind of dresses they like in some extra curricular acitivities.

If all members are not in favour of uniform then please atleast think of uniforms on monday-thursday and casuals (with some dress code) on fridays.So evryone might be happy....

Please implement the idea of the uniform in the schools so that the kids are more focused on studies and other activities of the school and not looking at each other and discuss how one looks in what kind of dress.