In 2023, The Academy for Young Writers brought out a school uniform policy under the then newly appointed Principal, Ms. Tanisha Brown. Now in the second year since the policy has been implemented it seems that students still have mixed feelings.
Should Public Schools enforce uniforms? 10th grader, Raynold Seraphim, seems to think not. During our interview with Raynold, he stated his many opinions on the school’s uniform policy.
“The school’s uniform policy is alright,” stated Raynold.
He does however think that the uniform policy negatively impacts students ability to express themselves because he says many don’t care for it. Raynold himself said he isn’t comfortable with our current school uniform and says the pants should be replaced with “skinny jeans from Atlanta.”
Raynold also feels that AFYW school uniforms don’t help create a sense of unity and school identity. He feels that students should be free to wear what they want. Raynold, however, also says that one of the pros of school uniforms is that it is affordable for families. Raynold is also a supporter of more flexible uniform options and thinks enforcing uniforms isn’t necessary to maintain discipline.
“Clothes are clothes,” commented Trustin Jimenez, an 11th grader here at AFYW
Trustin believes that the school uniform actually divides us, “Because one half of kids wear uniform and the other half doesn’t, it leads to division, uniform K” said Trustin.
Additionally Trustin isn’t one to wear the uniform however he likes the fact they have all black uniforms for highschool students and the uniform policy unenforced is the way he prefers it.
Mr. Cody, our Anatomy & Physiology teacher for 11th grade believes that the current school uniform policy while a good solution to the daily dilemma of what students should wear, has its drawbacks. He supports the idea of a uniform because it establishes an appropriate dress code but stresses that if such a policy is implemented, there must be a way to effectively enforce it. Cody also points out that the lack of compliance among students means the uniform does not foster a strong sense of school identity. Moreover, he recognizes the financial burden uniforms may place on families, suggesting that the cost and variety of the uniforms should be reviewed.
While Cody agrees that the uniform prevents inappropriate attire, he feels that it doesn’t significantly impact the school environment or discipline, as students often view it merely as a way to avoid penalties. He also argues that the current uniform lacks room for personal expression and would be more engaging if students could design their own.
If students were allowed to create their own uniforms, Cody believes it would lead to a more unique and stylish school atmosphere, which he refers to as “AFYW swag.” However, he acknowledges that while teacher uniforms are comfortable from his perspective, he may not fully understand how highschool students feel about the uniform.
A study from “School Uniform Statistics, Safety, and Facts (2024)” that was published in Statistics, and last modified in December 2024 shows that many students nationwide have mixed feelings about school uniforms. About 34% think uniforms make their school safer, but only 17% feel uniforms help them focus better in class. On the bright side, 37% say uniforms make them worry less about how they look. This shows uniforms have some benefits, but they don’t work for everything.
We also interviewed our assistant principal Mr. Bailey and he gave us his view on the school’s current uniform policy. Mr. Bailey thinks that the uniform provides a space for AFYW students and it makes it easier for students to know what to wear in the morning. Mr. Bailey believes that there shouldn’t be any current changes to the school’s uniform because he thinks it’s in a good spot. He said it positively expresses the way kids want to express themselves because they are able to wear different pants and shoes or different color uniform tops. Mr. Bailey thinks that the uniform isn’t necessary to maintain discipline within the school. He thinks that the students should be on the same page when it comes to the uniform policy because other schools have it down pact already. Finally Mr. Bailey believes that there is a lot of room for improvement for the school’s uniform, there are many plans on the way for it, and he wishes for the students to continue wearing the school’s uniform.
