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On first day, students give new uniforms mixed reviews

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phiL~com

Posted on Wed, Sep. 08, 2004

On first day, students give new uniforms mixed reviews

By Melanie Burney Inquirer Staff Writer

Neatly dressed in a bright gold polo shirt and crisp tan khakis, Maria Davis reluctantly made her way to Camden High School yesterday morning.

As she walked up the concrete stairs to the entrance, a small group of parents applauded and cheered.

"You look great," said her mother, Lorna Davis, 49.

For Maria Davis and nearly 18,000 other public school students in" Camden, the school year began yesterday with a big change: uniforms. The dress code is voluntary for now; it will become mandatory Dec. 1.

"I feel stupid with a uniform," said Davis, 17, a junior. "Who would like to wear a uniform? It's a shame my mom made me."

"It's the rule, and you have to follow the rules," her mother said. "When she gets older, she can do what she wants."

Camden adopted its policy several months ago, following Philadelphia and Willingboro. Students are not required to wear traditional parochial school uniforms. Instead, each of the city's 33 schools has its own uniform look. Camden High selected a purple or gold shirt and a light-tan skirt or pants.

"It looks too much like Barney with the purple shirts. I can't do it," said freshman Javon O'Neal, 15, referring to the popular children's television character. "I'll put it on when it becomes mandatory."

Across the district yesterday, the uniform policy drew mixed reviews from students and generally praise from parents. Compliance varied by school, though it appeared that many elementary and middle school students embraced the change.

"I don't mind wearing it," said Camden High senior Luis Rosa, 17, who wore a gold shirt and tan pants. "It saves a lot of money."

Hatch Middle School sixth grader Asia Alston had no complaints, especially since her school had selected her favorite colors. "I like red and blue," she said.

Security guard Jeremy Webb, who greeted students at Hatch, estimated that eight out of 10 students wore uniforms. The school has about 500 students in sixth through eighth grades.

"I was surprised," he said. "This showed me that the majority of parents want it, and they forced their kids to wear it."

Critics, however, contend that uniform policies stifle self-expression at a time when students are developing their individuality.

According to the New Jersey School Boards Association, at least 20 other districts in the state have adopted uniform policies.

Camden School Superintendent Annette D. Knox has said that parents demanded the policy. She said uniforms would reduce discipline problems and improve learning and security because students would be distinguished easily from outsiders.

Parents said they believed the policy would alleviate pressure to buy expensive, trendy fashions for their children. The

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On first day, students give new uniforms mixed reviews

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district set aside $10,000 to assist students who cannot afford uniforms, officials said.

"All you have to worry about are the sneakers," Tamara Prince said as she escorted her three children to Forest Hill Elementary. She said her children would be in uniforms by the end of the week.

The resistance from high school students in South Jersey's largest public school system was not unexpected. Other districts have adopted uniform policies for elementary students, but not for higher grades.

The Camden Board of Education still must draft enforcement guidelines. At a hearing last month, district officials said it was unlikely that violators would face disciplinary action.

"It appears to be working pretty well," district spokesman Bart Leff said.

Contact staff writer Melanie Burney at 856-779-3876 or mburney@phillynews.com.

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