Community Corner
Parent Starts Anti-School Uniform Petition
Would you or a student you know sign a petition against instituting school uniforms in Malden public schools? Parent Robin Farren has started a campaign of students and families opposed to the idea.
Students, and Parents of Students in the Malden Public School System,
I'm sure you have heard of the uniform mandate at the Linden School, and the possible uniform mandate throughout all of the other Malden Public Schools. And like me, you are probably sick to death of the subject, so I will try and be brief.
Many parents & teachers are very much against requiring uniforms in public school. The American Civil Liberties Union is adamantly against uniforms too. Most of us were fine with the current dress code, and feel the time, energy and funds should be spent on more worthy and educational endeavors.
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Even Principal Bransfield & Superintendent DeRuosi admit there are as many studies that are pro uniform as valid studies against them.
So, uniforms have no proven educational value or social value, no proven financial benefit to the families, and no proven impact on bullying or safety in the schools. The Linden Governing Board, Principal Bransfield, and members of the School Committee's subcommittee simply think it will LOOK nice to have a color-coordinated student body. Also, they think it might increase school spirit.
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The parental objections to uniforms encompass many philosophical, sociological, financial, and constitutional issues. Not the least of which is the fact that public schools should be FREE. This uniform mandate would effectively require an entrance fee, in the form of several sets of uniforms per child. Additionally, when a public school requires uniforms, they MUST provide those uniforms to families who can’t afford them. So it is costing both the parents and the school/city.
If you are opposed to the Public School Uniform Mandate at the Linden or other schools, please pick the petition below which applies to you, sign it, and forward it to your friends. Spread the Word!
(Linden Parents can sign both parental petitions. Since their kids may attend Malden High or switch to another K-8 at some point.)
Thanks for your time.
Robin H. Farren
Readers: what do you think?
