Westminster School District OKs Uniforms

Citing safety issues and saying they want children to show respect for their schools and come to class ready to learn, trustees of the Westminster School District voted Thursday to require uniforms for all students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Board member Lynn Covey said before the 3-2 vote that the policy is in the best interest of the students.

“This is a way to be proactive for our students,” Covey said. “Studies have shown that students have better achievement” when they wear uniforms.

A survey in September found that 73% of parents responding favored mandatory uniforms. The policy, which will take effect this fall, applies to about 10,000 students in the district’s 16 elementary and middle schools and one special-education school.

During public comment before the vote, two people spoke against the policy.

Jeff Smith, who has two children in Westminster schools, told the board, “I believe it’s unconstitutional.”

Later, Smith said, “I’m not a scholar of the Constitution, but I feel I know its basic intent. We will not comply with this policy.”

Under state law, parents who are opposed to the policy may make arrangements with school officials for their children not to wear uniforms.

School board member Sondra Harvey, who voted with the majority, said, “I believe the comments on freedom are stretching things a little bit. We are not taking away that choice. But I understand change is difficult.”

A number of public schools across Orange County require uniforms. Santa Ana Unified does so for all students through eighth grade. Viejo Elementary in Capistrano Unified and Dale Junior High in Anaheim Union are among those testing uniforms.

Officials say that vandalism, theft, gang activity and other disciplinary problems seem to decline at schools where students wear uniforms, which also help them identify nonstudents who should not be on campus.