By Dara Asante, Staff Writer
Howard County’s recent announcement regarding the implementation of uniforms for students in HCPSS in the upcoming academic year has sparked significant controversy among public school families. The decision has drawn a wave of criticism and concern from various stakeholders within the community.
River Hill High School students, who are directly affected by this policy, have voiced their apprehensions and frustrations. The official River Hill uniform is different for each grade, with Freshman in white, class of 2026 in navy blue, class of 2025 in carolina blue, and class of 2024 in yellow polo shirts. Students have the option of either wearing black khakis or tennis skirts of their class color. Every Friday, students will also be expected to wear their formal Friday uniform. This consists of a black blazer over a white polo shirt with the same pants or skirt that students are expected to wear on a daily basis.
A popular inquiry among River Hill students and parents is the weather. How will these uniforms be modified on excessively cold or hot days? Will students be permitted to wear a jacket over their uniforms? The answer to that is simple, although students will be reprimanded for wearing an unapproved jacket over their uniform during school hours, there are other options to combat this issue. There is an option for either long sleeve or short sleeve polo shirts, and students may also purchase a River Hill sweatshirt to wear over their uniforms during the cold months.
Among the concerns voiced by students, Many students enjoy the opportunity to express their individuality through their clothing choices and fear that the imposition of uniforms will not allow them to express themselves. A very opinionated sophomore student commented, “If we had uniforms, there would be no student expression in the school.”
Many students don’t like the idea of having to buy a uniform they don’t want to wear. Howard County’s decision to charge a fee for students opting out of the uniform code by wearing their regular clothing continues to spark anger among the students. Some families don’t like the proposals of these additional expenses because some families can’t afford the extra cost.
Despite efforts to justify the uniform policy as a means of fixing the financial strain on the county, students don’t like the idea of them fixing the financial issues of the county. Junior Micheal Gerdes states, “I don’t see the purpose of the uniforms…they aren’t solving any problems but instead create problems.”
However, there is a minority perspective advocating for the potential benefits of uniforms. Some students, like sophomore Annika Boroski, express a preference for uniform attire, citing a desire for a more safe and inclusive school environment. For them, uniforms represent an opportunity to stop the issue of bullying. “I kinda like the uniforms I want to feel preppy and people also won’t get bullied for what they wear.”
As Howard County residents state their public opinion, it is clear that the debate surrounding school uniforms will continue, with the underlying issue between individual freedoms, financial considerations, and educational policy.