Letter: School uniforms should be given to youngsters

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002 | 9:05 a.m.

In response to the Aug. 23 article on mandatory school uniforms that was written by Emily Richmond, I would like to comment that when these children grow up and go out into the real world, they may be required to wear specific clothing in order to obtain and keep a job. Isn't requiring them to wear uniforms to school essentially the same?

Well, maybe not. According to Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 608.165, "All uniforms or accessories distinctive as to style, color or material shall be furnished, without cost, to employees by their employer."

So why isn't the Clark County School District held to the same standard? If the children at these schools worked for the school district, the uniforms would be provided, but since they're children of taxpayers, the parents have to pay for uniforms.

As to low-cost or no-cost uniforms being available through the schools' PTAs, if the school district was held to these same standards, parents (and children) wouldn't be embarrassed about having to use these low- or no-cost options.

Maybe this is something that should be addressed in Carson City come February.

BONNIE JACOBS