To whom it may concern,

I have had a child within your school system for over 4 years now and I truly believe that after seeing how Springfield does it, that the uniform policy is outdated, and absurd. I am originally from central Massachusetts and my entire life was able to wear the clothing of my choice to school. Choosing clothing that expresses one self give the child an ability to feel more free in their own skin, and ultimately a chance to be themselves fully.

On August 13th, 2008, A policy was formed that children were forced to now wear a uniform, because “The research shows that school uniforms help keep schools safer and more disciplined and help children focus more on their school work,” as the then super intendant had implied, and added “We’ve
heard from all over the country that schools where uniforms are worn tend to be quieter, more focused learning environments with less tension and strife over how students dress. We’re here to make sure children learn and that they stay safe at school. The uniform policy will help us to do both.” this study is now over 16 years old, and extremely outdated.

in 2022, The Ohio State did another study on uniforms and stated that "School uniforms don’t improve child behavior", as a matter of fact, there was no difference to a child's behavior with, or without the uniforms. 

 "Researchers used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, which followed a nationally representative sample of 6,320 students from kindergarten through the end of fifth grade.

Every academic year, teachers rated each student on three dimensions: internalizing behavior problems (such as anxiety and social withdrawal), externalizing behavior problems (such as aggression or destruction of property) and social skills. Teachers also reported how often each student was absent.

Overall, school uniforms had no effect on any of the three dimensions of behavior in any grade, even after taking into account a wide range of other factors that could potentially affect students’ behavior."

At this rate, uniforms are only there as a force to what children can wear, and taking away their independence and expressions of ones self. Along with these statistics, Springfield alone has a poverty rate of 25.3%, which is more than doubled compared to the states 10.4%.  This indicates that you are more likely to find families at second hand stores to get their children clothing, and hope uniforms are available, versus being able to go to a second hand store and get pants, shirts, etc. that the child needs right then and there and knowing it will be available.

Along with all of these facts, the schools are now doing "contests" for children to be able to wear what they want in forms of donations, good behavior and so on. I personally find that very inappropriate to bargain good behavior with being able to dress as yourself. to add, schools are also forcing children to change into clothes the schools have laying around if what the child is not “up to standard” or if the child shows up in normal clothes from a miscommunication, and not calling the families first. The fact I just gave you came from a personal experience we had recently. 

Families, its been almost two decades since the city required uniforms for a study that has long been since tested and shown it was not true, and not necessary in the public school systems. I ask you all to join me on requesting that the superintendent, Dr. Sonia E. Dinnall, abolishes the uniform policy and lets our children express themselves with being able to wear standard, plain, clothing, and no longer forcing them to all wear the same thing. let the kids, be kids!