I am all for school uniforms and support the government’s initiative in introducing a new strict national dress code.

However, hasn’t it gone too far?

Under the title of Take Pride in Your Stride’ this is what the Ministry of Education, in consultation with the Education Council, have implemented:

Uniforms should be properly fitting.
Skirts are required to be knee length and not above the knee. Pants are to be worn at waist height and shirts should be tucked in.
No undergarments should be exposed or visible through the uniform.
All students are required to wear black shoes/sneakers that do not contain other colours.
Boots, sandals and slippers are not allowed.
Students are permitted to wear a watch. No other jewellery is allowed.
Items that display connection with gangs are not allowed e.g. badges, tattoos, colours or tagging.
Girls’ hair should be groomed. Hair is required to be a natural colour, and extremes of hairstyles, such as a Mohawk, shaved lines/words, are not permitted. No beads should be worn in the hair.
In keeping with the cultural norms of the Cayman Islands, hair of male students should be cut short. Hair is required to be a natural colour, and extremes of hairstyles, such as a Mohawk, shaved lines/words, are not permitted.
Shaved eyebrows are not permitted.
Makeup, nail polish and false nails are not permitted.

Goodness gracious.

And who has to see that the pupils attending the schools are adhering to every detail contained in the above?

The parents primarily, if they have time. Otherwise it is left to their helper, many who have reading difficulties.

The number one overseer, of course, is the poor teacher!!

What happens to the pupil if he or she is not compliant? Sent home? Detention? How strict will the dress code be enforced? Differently, I expect, by how zealous the teacher is.

The answer to some of the above is contained in the press release we received on the subject.

Students who violate the national dress code or their school’s own uniform policy could face detention.

Parents will be informed on the first violation; by the third, school leaders will meet with parents because students could be suspended from lessons.

And the gobble-de-gook was also included:
“A dress code is a significant component in teaching students the important life skills of presenting themselves in a well-groomed manner and in dressing for purpose. It also helps to instill in students a sense of pride and belonging.”

It also said, the purpose of the policy is “to outline the expectations of all students in government schools” and said it will be “working with stakeholders to develop welcoming, supportive and inclusive learning environments that promote the well-being of all students and staff.”

Why do they have to make it all so difficult? A simple dress code would have achieved all the government want without most of the additional regulations. The more regulations the more they won’t be enforced including the big ones!

Less is more!!!! Much more!!