Whiteville School Board considers uniforms

WHITEVILLE — Students in Whiteville may face some major changes in their school dress code — changes that may have them wearing uniforms.

Members of the Whiteville City School Board have been toying with the idea of adopting a school uniform policy for about a year.

Now more than ever, some school board members say promoting school safety would be the main reason for the change.

If the Whiteville City School Board does implement a school uniform policy it would require every student in every grade level to wear one.

Whiteville School Board member James DiMuzio says uniforms may be the best way to improve school safety while promoting harmony among students. The school uniform proposal is also linked to concerns of a rise in recent gang activity in the area.

DiMuzio said, “It’s so much easier to find someone who doesn’t belong there on campus when all the students are dressed in a uniform, as opposed to just wearing everyday clothes. People who don’t belong there can just blend in. It will be a lot harder for gang symbols and gang colors to be brought into the schools.”

The board will vote on the policy in April. If passed, kids could begin wearing uniforms in the 2009-2010 school year.

Parents will have a chance to weigh in on this issue at parent forums in Whiteville schools.

Four forums will be held starting April 3.