Ever since Mr. Brown introduced this new dress code proposal, no one has been happy. Parents are complaining, students are protesting, and teachers have to deal with all of this. As a student at VRHS, I don't approve of these proposals. First of all, we live in the South, meaning blue jeans are a staple in almost any person's wardrobe. To take this away from students who have been accustom to it from anywhere from 13-18 years is just wrong.
Had these proposals occured during anytime in the past ten years, there probably wouldn't have been as much uproar as there is now. Asking parents who are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table is like asking everyone to buy a new house during the Great Depression because the color of their house is not adequate. Mr. Brown's reaction to this is to say the new uniform will only cost eight dollars. Now, I don't know about most students, but i will not wear the same set of clothes every day.
Recently, Mr. Brown held a class meeting with all of the students at VRHS. When asked about the new uniforms, he said there would be absolutely no uniforms. However, just a few weeks we are looking at something that not only resembles a uniform, but is a uniform. I ask you as a reader, what is this proposal lacking for it to be a uniform?
I understand that the administration has no other option to fix this dress code problem, but the same people who are sagging and putting holes in their jeans do the same thing next year? I know the clothes don't make the man, but the man will make the clothes. The administration needs to realize eliminating blue jeans and tee shirts will not fix the problem. The problem goes beyond jeans and shirts. By changing the dress code, the administration will not change the character of the students.
If it was up to me to fix the dress code, I would recommend using the three strike system. After the first offense, a warning is given. After that, the parents are called. After the third strike, the student is written up. After so many write ups, the student is sent to alternative school where they can act up to their heats desire.
The bottom line is that a new dress code will not fix this problem. There are many problems at VRHS that a dress code will not solve. We have an older-than-Jesus gym, the campus is dirty, and there are people who attend the school that should have been kicked out a long time ago.
Until this problem is resolved, it is no longer great to be a Villa Rica Wildcat
Take college, for example. Many brilliant minds are born out of the freedom and creativeness that comes from being yourself, finding yourself, and possibly even choosing your own wardrobe. I believe success is not determined by rules, but determined by the encouragement that is needed in schools. Not to point out what they're doing wrong, but to encourage their good doings. Not to set limits on our children, but to maximize their true potential.