Haley Dallas

Features Editor

    In this century, outward expressions of individuality come in many forms for teenagers. Some LOHS students show their individuality through piercings, eccentric hairstyles, and scandalous clothing. Unfortunately for said students, most of these trends are against the dress code. Outside of school, students are free to express themselves as they wish but at LOHS, students are expected to conform to School uniforms could be a solution to all of the headaches and struggles that our administration goes through weekly.

    Known school-wide as “the dress-code Nazi,” Assistant principal Angie Woods is developing a reputation for being “the dress code Nazi” and is in favor of considering school uniforms. With a gesture to the heavens as if to say, “Thank you,” Mrs. Woods said, “I’m in favor of school uniforms because not only would it create consistency, but it would free up my time to spend on things that matter. I understand that students do want to express their individuality. If the high school did decide to require school uniforms then I would be in favor of one day a week set aside for ‘free dress.’”

    Assistant Principal Matt Houser responded similarly, “I see many benefits to school uniforms but like any controversial subject I can step back and see both sides. I would need to know that financial issues wouldn’t cause problems for kids and would need to see a plan but I see that many kids could reap the benefits of uniforms. I see the benefits of consistency but I like options as well.”

    The student body is just as divided on the topic of school uniforms.  Grant Hammons (10) said, “I feel like school uniforms would restrict people from expressing themselves through their clothing choices.” Haley Boudreaux (12) said, “I think school uniforms would be a positive change to our school. It would save a lot of time in the mornings picking out what clothes you’re going to wear and may cut down on a lot of the drama that goes on at school.”

    School uniforms are an ambiguous topic that LOHS isn’t seriously considering at this juncture. Positive aspects such as equality in attire, more free time for administrators, and less drama among the student body are valid reasons to go to school uniforms. Negative aspects could also be argued such as cost and lack of individuality. By making a concerted effort to decrease the cost of uniforms by selecting an inexpensive uniform provider and allowing a “free dress” day might make the benefits of school uniforms more obvious.  Uniformity may be frowned upon but school uniforms could take care of many typical school issues and let students focus on learning rather than dressing.