School board member Larry Peacock, who voted against mandatory uniforms, said he will support the final decision but has some reservations. It suggests that mandatory policies should be used only when lesser measures aren't working, and states that these policies still can be vulnerable to legal challenge. Several parents are already exploring the possibility of a class-action lawsuit against the district and the American Civil Liberties Union said it will also lend legal assistance to parents. But Reynolds said he's ready for any possible litigation. One of those legal challenges could come from parents who say they can't afford to comply with the uniform policy.
Some parents say that buying two sets of clothes is too costly.
But board members like Andrea Whiteley said uniforms are no more expensive than any other clothes. Because the policy offers a broad range of choices, uniform items can be purchased at a wide range of places, including department stores, discount chains and consignment shops. But with about 58 percent of the county's students in the free and reduced-cost lunch program, which is based on family income, many are concerned some families simply can't afford to purchase additional clothing. Reynolds has said that the district will make sure every child has a uniform and has initiated several programs to make that happen. Many PTA groups and private companies have already donated hundreds of items for children whose parents won't be able to afford them.