Jan 16, 2006 5:39 pm US/Central
Fort Worth ISD Debates School Uniforms
by Mary Stewart
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
Fort Worth parents and students will get a chance to speak out on school uniforms this week. A series of public forums will sample opinions on a uniform dress code for the Fort Worth ISD.
It's controversial, but school officials say the move could make schools safer, because those who aren't students would stand-out.
Some Fort Worth schools already require uniforms. But educators want to make the dress code uniform across the district.
Fort Worth ISD employee Nancy Ricker thinks uniforms are a good idea. "There are many different styles of dress these days; that not only cause adults to be distracted, but there are many styles of dress that cause students to be distracted."
Paschal High School student Phuong Huynh says he prefers to wear jeans and a sweatshirt, but admits some clothing on campus is risqué.
"Some people like, they wear stuff that's inappropriate and it just might not be good to the learning environment."
Studies show that students wearing uniforms are more focused on learning, but some older students resist the idea. "I wouldn't want to wear the same thing as everyone else everyday," said Arlington Heights student, Kristen Vampran.
Kristen's mother, Emmaline Vampran, disagrees. "I know some kids feel that it's kinda stifling their individuality. But there's so many other ways that children can express their uniqueness and creativity. So I'm in favor of uniforms."
When Duncanville debated a strict dress code, 400 parents showed up in opposition and the district relaxed the rules.
Yet the final motivation may be economic: Lewisville and Dallas parents who've bought uniforms believe they're saving money:
"I think we spent $130 on each kid and it was like $220 last year," said Patti Pettipas, a Lewisville ISD parent.
Officials with the Fort Worth ISD say an initial study finds more than 60% of parents support school uniforms
(CBS 11 News)
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