James-Brown said schools would be pushed to look at clothes that are inexpensive and readily available. Punishment for failing to abide by a dress code would probably not be attached to the policy for the rest of the current school year, she said. Discipline and other particulars, such as provisions for students who can't wear the uniforms for religious reasons, would be worked out by a committee of parents, students and educators. Bruce Ryan, principal of James Elverson Middle School, believes uniforms will help cut back on competition among students. Stefan Presser, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, said his organization might challenge Philadelphia's policy if it were to violate a student's rights.
Uniforms are antithetical to teaching people how to make choices.
Kaneshia Coren Pinckney Missing from Silver Spring, Md., since July 7, 2000. Inc. All rights reserved.