Lynn schools may try on uniform idea

LYNN – School officials may try, once again, to bring uniforms back to the city’s schools.The School Committee voted unanimously this week to continue exploring the idea of a voluntary school uniform policy, and to discuss the idea of a pilot program with the principals of the district’s elementary schools.School Committee member Maria Carrasco proposed the idea of school uniforms several weeks ago, and the response from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.”I went online and saw the people who are against uniforms, and those who are in favor,” Carrasco told the School Committee at their meeting Thursday night. “Teachers, parents, many, many parents are asking for school uniforms.”Carrasco said uniforms would boost self-esteem for students who may feel self-conscious because they can’t afford to buy the latest styles of clothing. She also said it would end the practice some students have of flaunting their gang affiliations by wearing different color clothing.And school uniforms would save teachers and principals the time of having to dig up something for students to wear when they come to school dressed in inappropriate clothing.Others have credited school uniforms with creating a sense of unity and belonging. And others feel uniforms help generate an atmosphere of discipline and respect.Despite the benefits many feel school uniforms would bring to Lynn schools, it is illegal to force public school students to wear them.”You can have a voluntary school uniform policy but there has to be the ability to opt out,” said John Mihos, the School Committee’s lawyer.Mihos also told the committee the Lynn school system would be responsible for providing some type of funding to buy uniforms for families who could not afford the extra expense. He also urged the committee to make sure that parents are involved in creating a school uniform policy, and that families have plenty of notice before it goes into effect.Several schools have tried a voluntary uniform policy in the past. Students at Lynn English welcomed uniforms several years ago, but according to School Committee member Richard Starbard interest faded after about six months.Superintendent Catherine Latham, who met earlier in the day with a school committee made up of student representatives, said some students thought uniforms were a great idea. “Others said it would take away (their) individuality,” said Latham.But Carrasco said that many Hispanic parents who have asking for uniforms are from countries where they are required. Many have grown up wearing uniforms themselves.”In a lot of Latino communities, a uniform is a key part of school,” she said. “Children wear them in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Houston. Parents everywhere like the idea.”