OKCPS Implements District-Wide School Uniform Policy

Big changes are coming for some students in Oklahoma's largest school district.

Starting next school year, all students in Oklahoma City's public schools will have to wear school uniforms, but the decision didn't come without debate.

11/29/2012 Related Story: OKCPS Considering New District-Wide School Uniform Policy

It was a 5 to 3 decision by board members. The three members who opposed the idea said implementing a school wide dress code would be too intrusive. But, out of 74 schools, only 17 don't wear uniforms.

It was a tough decision by Oklahoma City school board members.

"Why should we tell them how kids should dress? I submit we should stay out of their way," Vice Chairman Phil Horning said.

"It may not be terribly popular with students whose parents who have money power and influence," Jay Means said.

Forty-four-thousand students across the district will now be required, to follow a new dress code.

The debate for a district wide policy began last fall when a kindergartner was asked to turn his Michigan t shirt inside out. It apparently violated an old policy banning sports team clothing.

Parents like Bridgid Cook, who has two young sons who don't currently wear uniforms, says she believes it should be up to the school to make that decision.

Under the new policy each school can come up with their own uniform combinations, and colors.

One choice must be a white shirt at each school. New dress codes will be enforced next school year.