Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 3, 1995 TAG: 9511030014
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
School board candidates in next week's elections oppose uniforms by more than 2-to-1 and say that they are not needed in their localities, a survey by The Roanoke Times has shown.
"Uniforms lend nothing to the educational process. If mandated, uniforms should be paid for by the state. And I believe resources can be better utilized," said Eugene Erb, a candidate in Bedford County.
Robert Anderson, a Montgomery County candidate, said uniforms should be used only in school divisions where dress codes are challenged or if there is conflict between students over clothes.
"I do not believe that it is necessary to require Pulaski County parents to dress their children uniformly," candidate Beth Nelson said.
Russell "Butch" Wright of Bedford County said there are good reasons to have uniforms, but he would not vote for them now.
The movement toward school uniforms started about five years ago, mainly in inner-city neighborhoods in large cities.
Advocates of uniforms say they help reduce discipline problems, make children feel better about themselves and reduce conflicts over clothing.
In Virginia, uniforms are being used in a few public schools in Richmond and Tidewater. At Douglass Park Elementary School in Portsmouth, a voluntary uniform system has been used and reportedly has worked well.
Gov. George Allen's Commission on Champion Schools made uniforms an issue in school reform in Virginia. The commission recommended that school divisions be given the authority to require students to wear uniforms. The General Assembly enacted a law earlier this year that did that.
Stanley Butler, a candidate in Bedford County, said parents should make the decision on uniforms.
"Uniforms reduce individuality and expression," Butler said. "However, they put all students on an even keel and reduce social stigmas concerning the way people dress."
Jack LeDoux, a candidate in Montgomery County, said uniforms could be beneficial. "They can reduce competition on clothes and make all equal - rich or poor," he said.
Vern Jordahl, a candidate in Roanoke County, said clothing becomes a distraction when junior and senior high schools become places for competitive fashion shows beyond the budgets of most parents.
"This is the wrong emphasis, and the schools are not to be blamed for it," Jordahl said, "but I doubt that Virginians are ready for uniforms."
Carol White, another Roanoke County candidate, said she could support uniforms because they would simplify children's decisions on what to wear to school.
"I think that peer pressure and emphasis on clothes can have negative results," she said. "Uniforms would eliminate some of this competition."
William Irvin, who is running against Jordahl and White, opposes uniforms.
Benny Shrader, a candidate in Bedford County, said he believes uniforms could have educational value, but he would vote for them only if there was strong public support.
Michael Beahm of Botetourt County agreed with the concept of school uniforms as a way to eliminate conflict over clothes but said a stricter dress code would accomplish the same results.
Marie Mathis of Floyd County said she could support uniforms if the schools provided them.
G.B. Washburn Jr., a candidate in Franklin County, said he would support uniforms because they would relieve peer pressure.
Terry Lovell, Washburn's opponent, said he, too, would be willing to consider them.
"If not uniforms, then dress codes," he said.
Oscar Williams of Montgomery County said he would consider uniforms but would be reluctant to vote for such a policy without extensive parental support and input.
John Reed of Roanoke County said he prefers a dress code over uniforms. "Students should be taught that some 'attire' is not acceptable in the employment lines and neither should it be in our schools."
by CNB