End the School Uniform Policy in Jones County beginning with the 2018 school year (August 2018)

We are asking the Jones County Board of Education to revisit their school uniform policy. We do believe there should be strict rules regarding the clothing students are allowed to wear (sagging pants, see through clothing, etc.) but would like to see the uniform policy replaced with a dress code.

Jones County is 66th in median household income in NC. While school uniforms were intitially introduced as being a cheaper means of clothing Jones County children, reality has proven that to be false. As more and more school districts move away from school uniforms, their costs continue to rise and it is difficult to find uniforms in the size and color needed. While regular clothing goes on clearance and can be purchased at very little cost, school uniforms can rarely be found at a comparable rate.  Purchasing girl uniform tops at any time other than the beginning of the school year has also proven to be a hassle as most stores only carry them online.  Requiring families in Jones County to purchase items online is unfortunate, as many households in Jones County do not have and cannot get internet service.   

 The Board of Education policy also refers to promoting students self esteem by use of school uniforms. Implementing school uniforms did not magically put all students on the same socioeconomic level.  There still is and will always be poor, middle class, and rich families regardless of a school uniform policy. Some students have Walmart shoes while others sport the latest $100+ pair of sneakers.  Some have freshly bought department store clothes and others have hand me downs.  There are students in clothes that fit nicely versus clothes that were purchased last year and are now too little, too short, stained, and faded. If anything, the school uniform policy has made these students stand out more since everyone is wearing the same type of clothing. There is also the issue of feeling confident in the clothes you put on your body.  It is unrealistic to expect any type of policy that restricts clothing to a certain type could possibly be flattering for all body types.  This leaves many students feeling insecure and uncomfortable. We would hardly call this "conducive to learning" as stated in the uniform policy.    

These are only a few of the reasons we feel the school uniform policy should be abolished.   At the very least we request a survey of parents be conducted in order to reflect the opinion of those responsible for providing the monetary means to carry out this policy.  If most parents support the policy that is ok, but we do feel our concerns should at least be considered.