But the courts have changed their views on student rights. In order to maintain an orderly school, schools now have much more latitude. Kommer noted a recent case in Arizona went to that state's supreme court where the court reaffirmed a school's ability to require school uniforms. The Ashland University professor said he believes middle school is the best level for uniforms. I believe it's a good idea for elementary and middle schools.
Middle school is especially prone to safety issues which school uniforms can address.
While Kommer was principal of a middle school near Los Angeles, Calif., he believes many schools face the same issues. It's a school environment issue. The less time teachers and administrators spend on discipline, the more time they can spend on teaching. It's tough to be an adolescent these days. I don't know of any adult who would go back to those days.