One New Jersey school district is starting the new year with a big change: students will now be required to wear uniforms.
The decision came after a vote by the local school board back in April. Officials said the policy is meant to create a safer, more welcoming atmosphere while also cutting down on peer pressure tied to clothing choices. They also believe it could help limit distractions in class and make students feel more connected to their school community.
The rules themselves are straightforward. Students must wear a polo shirt — black, navy, or orange — with the district’s logo. Shirts can be long- or short-sleeved. For bottoms, the options are black or khaki pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, or jumpers. There are a few restrictions: no skirts shorter than two inches above the knee, and no slippers, slides, or flip-flops.
One notable part of the change: the uniforms aren’t gender-specific. Everyone has the same choices, no matter how they identify.
This district isn’t alone. Several other public schools in North Jersey already have similar requirements, including Newark, Union City, Kearny, and Elizabeth. What do you think, will more public school districts require students to wear uniforms in the future?
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.