The School Uniform Committee met Thursday, March 22, with hopes to get feedback from parents on the possibility of mandating a uniform dress code policy in schools within the Indian River School district. What ensued was heavy debate.
The uniform committee, led by school board member Dr. Donald Hattier, is proposing a code that is projected to be finalized in May or June, and implemented by the 2007-2008 school year.
“The reason we want to bring uniforms in the schools is to enhance what we have,” said Hattier. “The Indian River district has made huge strides in the past 10 years, and we want to keep that going. If we can keep students focused on school instead of fashion, we could do that.” The dress code would be closely aligned with the policy added in the Woodbridge school district roughly three years ago.
Roughly a dozen parents and teachers opposing the idea came out to Thursday’s meeting, though. One such gentleman was Stephen Taylor, whose 10-year-old daughter attends East Millsboro Elementary. He said one of his main concerns is the committee’s pace.
“This group is moving forward at a pace that implies that we need this,” he said. “What I don’t understand is why we need this so urgently. I’m not sure what was wrong in the first place that uniforms would fix.” He also added that he thinks there should be more discussion on the topic and that more people need to know what is going on.
Regina Izzo, a mother and teacher at Selbyville Middle School, also voiced her opinion on the issue. “I’m offended that the board is trying to do my job for me,” she said. “Woodbridge tried a lot of other things, not just uniforms. We shouldn’t dive right into this and assume this is best for our schools.”
She added that the school administration is not likely to solve problems of fashion and social class. “Our kids have jumped through every hoop they needed to. Enforcing uniforms is punishment to them.”
“You can’t look at it as a problem-solver,” Hattier responded. “Uniforms are part of a total package.”
According to a survey taken earlier this year, roughly 75 percent of the 4,500 residents who responded were in favor of continuing discussion about whether or not to implement the dress code. Not all of the respondents who favored continued discussion said they favored institution of such a policy, but many did.
“We want to include people to see what would work,” Hattier added.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for April 19 at Southern Delaware School of the Arts, in the cafeteria at 7 p.m.