The Porterville Unified School Board approved the highly controversial Board Policy 0401: Student Uniforms.
This policy requires that all Porterville Unified schools enforce uniforms for the 2025-2026 school year. This policy has been in the works for years now, and it has finally passed. Porterville joined the few school districts in the state to enforce uniforms for all schools.
Granite Hills students will be required to wear black dress pants or a black knee-length skirt with a grey polo shirt with cardinal red trim. If students cannot find the appropriate clothing, schools will offer uniform assistance programs.
“Another positive aspect of school uniforms is, as far as any type of gang or inappropriate attire, it’s consistent across the board,” Granite Hills assistant principal Mr. Plyman said. “Another positive for uniforms would be cost for families because most of the time those uniforms are purchased are less expensive than school clothes. Students won’t have to worry about what to pick in the morning. They will have the items selected so there’s less for them to worry about.”
The policy has stirred up a lot of angry students and families who see this policy as a direct attack on their first amendment right to express themselves freely.
There are a lot of benefits that come with school uniforms. For example, school uniforms will promote equality among students. Students will not be pressured to wear the latest fashion trends or expensive brands, therefore, they would be able to focus more on their education.
Not only would students focus more on their education, but parents would save money. Instead of buying a full wardrobe of trendy clothing, they would buy the uniform that can be reused year after year, thus being more cost-effective.
“Our students are going to look so sharp in their new uniforms,” Granite Hills English teacher Mr. Marquez said. “I am so proud of our school district for approving these measures for our students to receive a much better public education experience. Students no longer have to worry about what they’re going to wear to school. Every day, they can simply throw on their uniform and come to school and fit in with everybody else.”
Although there is outrage over the policy approval, The Grizzly Gazette wants to remind everyone that the date is April 1, which means …
