This editorial represents the views of the young people in The kNOw and was written by one of the youth participants.
Some schools in Fresno require students to wear uniforms. Sometimes this helps kids focus on learning, and it can make school a place that feels more equal and professional.
Because of this, some of us at The kNOw think uniforms are a good idea.
Others of us think asking high schoolers to wear uniforms doesn’t make sense, because it takes away our individuality. Also, kids who are already struggling at school may be frustrated even more by uniforms. Instead of following uniform rules, some kids may choose to just drop out. This hurts the student, the school, and the community. The best place for students is in school.
There are some uniform issues that everyone at The kNOw agrees on.
We think uniforms should come in a variety of styles and should be affordable. Uniforms shouldn’t be an extra burden for our parents.
If students are required to wear uniforms, school staff should also have a strict dress code or uniform. When there is a double standard, we notice, and it’s frustrating. If staff and teachers don’t abide by the same dress code enforced on us, it is harder to respect the rules. When teachers and staff practice what they preach, it’s easier for us to accept and respect the dress code.
It’s important to ask our parents for their input on uniforms, but when a uniform decision is made, students should be asked about it as well.
In 2006, over 25 youth began participating in weekly after-school writing workshops where they congregated in the hallway of a two-story building in West Fresno and learned the essentials of creating media and telling their stories. The group evolved over the next five years and is now proudly recognized as The kNOw Youth Media.
Through our program, we create opportunities for our youth participants, who in turn create long-term positive change in their communities. Our approach weaves youth development and youth media innovation to produce our biannual youth publication, multimedia projects, and community forums.
The kNOw began as a project of New America Media, which was the country’s first and largest national collaboration and advocate of 2000 ethnic news organizations. In 2018 The kNOw became a project of Youth Leadership Institute.
