Uniforms Divide Schoolby Evan Pack
One year after the dress code controversy started a survey was sent to the teachers to gather opinions on the uniform policy. Also, several students were asked their feelings about the dress code. The main focus of the survey was to discover how uniforms have impacted Atherton, both students and teachers alike.
The issue of uniforms is a controversial one, but is not new to Atherton. It had been on the Site Based Decision Making Council agenda since the early 90's, when gang activity was escalating.
The SBDM researched the benefits of public school uniforms before making their final decision. The change to a uniform would clearly cause conflicts. Since the implementation of the uniform there have been many visible changes at Atherton. Attendance has risen one percent from this time last year and has continued to increase over the past 4 months. However, this increase in attendance is almost overshadowed by the skyrocketing suspensions.
Atherton's student population is the tenth largest in the Jefferson County Public School district but has the highest suspension growth. While larger schools have more suspensions, Atherton has more suspensions per student. By January of 1999, Atherton had 62 suspensions which has jumped to 156 this year; an increase of 252 percent. From 1999-2000, fifth month district suspensions rose only 0.6 percent. This means Atherton's suspension increase is more than 250 times higher than average.
In March 2000, suspensions grew again, to 178, going up 164 percent from 1999. With a student population of 1044, this equates to 1 in almost every 6 students being suspended.
"The increase in suspensions is caused by the growth in student population and a different slant on discipline from the administration. Administrators are more strict on the dress code this year than last year," said Fred Harbison, Principal.
From the survey, safety emerged as the primary reason for uniforms. Gangs and easy recognition of outsiders were the number one safety issues on the teachers' minds. Discipline and controlling student behavior were other reoccurring problems that the dress code was implemented to solve.
"We know when a stranger is in the building and we can recognize those strangers," said Lisa Todd, French teacher.
However, an interview with a senior from another school suggested that this is not always true.
"I've been at Atherton eight or nine times during school hours and have only worn the uniform once," said Zach. "It's really easy to get in and I've never been caught. When I get bored at my school, I just come here and hang out for about an hour."
"I believe we have a uniform for security purposes, easy recognition of outsiders and a decrease in gang affiliation," said Anne Wilson, English teacher. "The problem with this is any outsider can easily figure out our uniform format and gangs have other ways of displaying association."
"There were safety concerns about students carrying weapons in baggy clothes as well as fear of outsiders coming into the building. Before the uniform, it was easier to identify a student causing a problem that you didn't know. You could describe him or her by what they were wearing and look for them. Now everyone blends," said Jackie Powell, English teacher.
"It's not uncommon for graduated seniors or kids from another school to come through the front doors wearing the school uniform. I've walked the halls with these kids at least ten times; they just wore the uniform and we had no problem. The uniform makes us familiar with black and white colors, not with the students' faces," Kelly Burdick, junior.
Another reason for a stricter dress code is to reduce socioeconomic barriers set up by the high prices of name brand clothing. Students were able to judge the wealth of other students by the clothes that they wore. The uniform prevents this by limiting variety and style of clothing.
"The uniform allows everyone in this school to start out on an equal playing field. People cannot see a difference in clothing between varying socioeconomic backgrounds. Therefore, it eliminates any prejudices based on clothing," said Michael Adams, biology teacher.
"Students are now appropriately dressed for school," said Ms. Todd. "I think it helps students to feel equal and be treated equally. It also helps students respect each other and learn that how they look affects themselves and others."
From the ten surveys returned, opinions varied from teachers on either side of the issue. Despite the difference of opinion between teachers, they all felt that the uniform had brought a negative atmosphere to Atherton. "In twenty-eight years of classroom teaching it is my opinion that the Atherton uniform policy has created more negativity than any issue I have ever experienced," said Ms. Powell.
"The uniform is harmful because it asks for mindless compliance to something so fundamentally illogical that it undermines the whole concept of education," said Tony Prince, English teacher.
"Students cuss teachers out, tell them to shut up, and call them (names). There is a lot of verbal abuse from students," said a teacher who asked not to be named. "Teachers are very divided at this school, and there is no unity among the faculty on any issue. Some teachers do not even say 'Hi' to other teachers in the hallways."
"The uniform has caused a negative school atmosphere," said Dan Penner, history teacher. "There is a loss of learning/teaching time, no enforcement consistency, and students are not complying with the dress code. The dress code can affect the student-teacher relationships negatively if students 'blame' teachers for enforcement."
A majority of the teachers surveyed believe there is neither fair nor equal enforcement of the dress code. They felt all teachers are not enforcing the uniform in the same way and that certain groups are being favored over others.
"I think teachers are angry because all teachers aren't enforcing it. I see the same kids in the halls and other classrooms out of compliance everyday," said Ms. Todd.
"Some teachers are more prescriptive than others and immediately refer students to the office. Others request compliance and get on with the education process," said Mrs. Wilson. "I spend very little time dealing with the dress code. I told my students that I felt compelled to honor school policy, despite my personal views, and requested that they respect my position."
"I think, for the most part, the uniform is a senior issue since they seem to be the most vocal about the topic. I also believe that the AP and IB students get punished less than students in other programs. It's not the uniform that's the problem, it's the enforcement of it," said Mr. Adams.
"I can name ten people right now that never comply with the uniform and never get caught, including myself. The people who are obviously opposed to the uniform seem to be harassed more than others," said Tory Fisher, senior.
"We have set up a system which is difficult to enforce. The policy for uniforms needs to be consistent and enforced consistently by all staff. Until this happens the uniform policy will only create more problems," said Linda Witt, Youth Service Center Coordinator.
For the most part, many people said that they are tired of hearing about the dress code but believe it still causes problems.
"I think it's time for the SBDM and students to grow up and get over it. There are other issues such as academics, curriculum, and athletics that are more important than a stupid dress code," said Mr. Adams.
"I will not let something as superficial as clothing get in the way of meeting my personal and professional objectives. I'll just go with the flow," said Mrs. Wilson.
"I do not allow the dress code problems to affect my classroom responsibilities as a teacher,"said Mr. Penner. "The negatives, unfortunately, outweigh the positives. It has been fought against too long, and to me, a bit unnecessarily. I put some of the blame on parents and students who see rebelling against the dress code as more important than education."
"I've always said that it's not about what's on the outside of a person, it's what's on the inside. Until we stop looking on the outside and start to form a relationship with the inside, it will be difficult to see a change in behavior," said Ms. Witt.
(Editor's Note: All statistics came from Attendance Analysis of Jefferson County Department of Pupil Personal and 5th & 7th Month JCPS Aggregate Data of High Schools)
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