Long Beach Unified School District Uniform Initiative: A Prevention-Intervention Strategy for Urban Schools, The

Journal of Negro Education, The, Fall 2003 by Lopez, Rebecca A

Family Support for School Uniform Policy

Approaching the 1990's, as in many urban districts, schools in the LBUSD increasingly became hotbeds of "factionalism, ethnic rivalry and socioeconomic class divisions " (PoIacheck, 1994, p. D5). In an effort to improve student performance and schools, concerned community members worked closely with the Board of Education to pilot a school uniform policy and program at one elementary school. Parents were particularly vocal about the need to distinguish registered students en route to and from school, from gang members in the area. Safety concerns, performance issues, and an overall desire to improve the school climate provided consensus for the Whittier School community to advance their desire for uniforms (LBUSD, 1997).

By 1993-94, the school district had accrued enough support from parents and community members to launch a uniform policy in 10 additional elementary and middle schools. Early evaluation of this policy and program indicated improvements in attendance, academic achievement, and school safety, as well as reduced ethnic and racial tensions. Disparate compliance levels were significantly tied to commensurate positive outcomes in decreased school crime rates and increased school attendance (LBUSD, 1997). With positive preliminary results and a largely supportive community, the Long Beach School Board initiated a mandatory uniform policy and program for all students grades K-8. Speaking on behalf of the recommendation by the LBUSD, board member Edward Eveland wrote:

We, Board Members, believe school uniforms at the elementary and middle school level will simplify proper dress for school business, which is, indeed, very serious business. We know that dress significantly influences behavior. In education, we have seen its influence on dress-up days and color days. We have also seen in the schools that have adopted school uniforms a "coming together," greater school pride, and better behavior in and out of the classroom. Moreover, with the complete elimination of gang attire, all of the students at those sites are safer, less intimidated or threatened. . .(LBUSD, 1994)

Implementing the School Uniform Policy and Program

LBUSD became the first large urban school district in the United States to implement school uniforms for grades K-8. Beginning with the 1994-95 school year, all 60 elementary schools and 15 middle schools, in consultation with their respective local communities, were required to determine the appropriate uniform, create programs for financial assistance, and create compliance measures. Information was disseminated to all parents in the following areas: (a) uniform types and colors; (b) availability of financial support; (c) exemption criteria from the program; (d) compliance measures; and (e) listings of local, competitive uniform vendors. Schools were encouraged to use a variety of information dissemination strategies such as official school materials (e.g., school newsletters, registration and enrollment materials), Parent Teacher Association and other parent forums, telephone hotlines, media announcements, and school and community posters (LBUSD, 1997). Specific guidelines were also forwarded to all schools regarding policies and support for students whose families needed financial assistance in meeting the mandatory uniform policy.