In a world where diversity is celebrated and individuality is cherished, the age-old concept of uniform once again finds itself under scrutiny by students at University Academy Charter High School.
As students evolve and become more rebellious the want for change is expected. Especially when the rules are harsh, leaving little room for interpretation. According to the UACHS handbook, “no t-shirts, cardigans, hoodies, hats, headdresses, or crocs” are the blunt rules. Even the slightest change from the attire could land students in-school suspension. The administration’s stance is clear: uniforms are non-negotiable.
One of the things that baffles the student body is the fact that the school sells sweatpants, jackets, sweaters, cardigans, and t- shirts but we are not allowed to wear them! Confused? Well you are not the only one. UACHS junior Madison Sims, shares the same concern when asked about the clothes the school website sells.
“What’s the point of promoting something and selling it on the website if you can not wear it,” said Sims. “Especially for the incoming freshman that get put into in school suspension because it was on the website.”
As fall starts to roll in and the weather becomes unpredictable many students are starting to wear their $34.99 fleece jackets. Just kidding, you can not wear that either. Not unless you want to land yourself in the famous in school suspension that is mentioned over 27 times in the school handbook!
In the UACHS handbook it states that Administrators “want to move away from detentions and suspensions and instead move toward involving students in solving the problems that are getting in the way of their success.”
However, everyday bright and early; administrators are sent to your classroom to see if you are indeed wearing your UACHS green logo uniform. If you thought that your cardigan or jacket were going to save you, you are in for a rude awakening. Hint Hint, unless the polo is underneath those items they are not considered uniform.
The strict enforcement of the uniform policy has heightened anxiety among students. Many argue that the measures seem excessively harsh for what they consider minor violations. Receiving a suspension that stays on your record throughout your entire educational journey seems to do more harm than good. Especially, when it comes to the simple fact that you did not receive the suspension from fighting or even disrespecting a teacher, but instead from not wearing a uniform.
The long debated argument over school uniforms is far from new, and the experience of UACHS students reflects the ongoing conversation about the topic. While trying to balance all that is tradition, identity, and comfort it remains a challenge waiting to be solved by either students or administrators. For now, the cold hard truth is that you need to be in full uniform or face the consequences.
