Petition Against the New WIC Uniform Policy Changes
West Island College (WIC) recently announced major changes to the school uniform policy for the 2026/27 school year. While the school says these changes are meant to improve “comfort” and “flexibility,” many students feel this is not the case. The new policies create unnecessary costs, reduce student comfort during Calgary winters, and place unfair restrictions on students, especially female students.

1. Banning Sweatpants Under Skirts Is Unsafe and Unfair

One of the biggest concerns is the new rule banning sweatpants under skirts and only allowing leggings.

Calgary winters regularly reach temperatures close to -30°C (-22°F). Many students walk from school building to school building, wait outside for rides, or spend time outdoors during the day. More so, in heavy winter times, it could almost feel as if the building is not heating properly, letting the winter chill seep in. Leggings are often not warm enough for these conditions.

For years, students have worn sweatpants under skirts as a practical way to stay warm while still following dress code rules. Removing this option takes away comfort and safety for students during extreme weather. The school had already just of last year suppressed to types of sweatpants students could wear, and now removing them altogether is a full violation of their safety in the winter.

This policy mainly affects girls, since skirts are still a large part of the female uniform. Although pants are technically available, many female students feel they are uncomfortable or poorly designed. Students should not have to choose between staying warm and following dress code rules.

2. The Policy Changes Mainly Target Female Students

Many of the new uniform changes focus almost entirely on girls’ uniforms, while very little is changing for boys. The school is changing skirt styles, skirt colours, rules for what can be worn under skirts, and sweater styles connected to girls’ uniforms.

This makes the policy feel unfair and overly focused on regulating female students’ appearance. Dress code policies should apply equally and practically to all students, not place more restrictions on one group than another.

3. The Changes Create Unnecessary Costs for Families

The new policy requires many students to buy completely new uniform pieces. Currently, senior girls wear black sweaters with green plaid skirts, and junior girls wear green sweaters with grey skirts. 

The new policy changes this system entirely, meaning many families will need to spend more money replacing uniforms that still fit and are in good condition. Uniforms are already expensive, and many families have already spent hundreds of dollars on current uniforms, aswell as hundreds on the tuition to even come to this school. These changes create unnecessary financial stress without offering any real educational benefit.

4. Students Were Not Properly Consulted

Although the school says students were involved in reviewing the uniforms, many students feel their opinions were not properly represented. A decision that affects students every single day should involve wider student input before policies are finalized. Many students only found out about the changes after decisions had already been made. If WIC truly values “student experience,” students should have a stronger voice in decisions that directly affect them.

The school has also decided on pushing forward move regulations on non-uniform days. If breaking past our boundaries with the regular uniform wasn't enough, now they are forcing a more "formal" and "professional" style for their students even without needing the uniform on. This is not only suppression of individuality, but also it is the assimilation into a more market appealing standard.

5. The Policies Do Not Actually Improve “Comfort and Flexibility”

The school says the changes are meant to improve comfort and flexibility, but many of the new rules do the opposite. The policy removes warm clothing options, adds more restrictions, forces students to buy new uniforms, and increases formal uniform requirements.

True flexibility would give students more practical options, not fewer.

6. Increased Formal Uniform Requirements Feel Excessive

Another concern is the decision to require full formal uniform every Thursday assembly day, including blazers and ties. Students already wear uniforms every day, and the school already heavily controls appearance through rules about clothing, colours, footwear, and accessories. Requiring formal wear every Thursday adds even more pressure and restriction.

Blazers and ties are uncomfortable, expensive, and impractical for normal school days. Many students feel the school is becoming overly focused on appearance instead of student comfort and wellbeing. What makes this more frustrating is that the school continues increasing formal expectations even while heavily restricting regular uniforms. Instead of creating more flexibility, the new policy feels more controlling and restrictive overall.

We urge WIC administration to reconsider these changes and work with students and families to create a policy that is fair, practical, and focused on student wellbeing.