Responsive Reading - School Uniforms

The Phoenix Preparatory Academy has a school dress code [readable here] that could almost be defined as harsh. The school has some of the same basic rules as other schools do - like no offensive or immodest clothing - but also has some pretty extreme rules as well. Things such as pants must be no more then one pant size too large, and that all shirts must be tucked in.

Although I agree with the majority of these rules, some just seem like too much hassle for the students, faculty and parents to worry about. I can understand that you want shirts tucked in, but what does it really matter what color belt is worn? I think that although it is important that guidelines and rules are set so children are not wearing clothing that is distractive or harmful, it's also important that children are given some leeway with those same rules.

Even though schools aren't (as most parents say) "a fashion show", and that children are there to learn, I think that the ability for children to express themselves in the safe place that the spend the majority of their childhood with their peers is also important for healthy self-esteem and development.