The uniform debate periodically rears its head at the Richmond School district, but almost as soon as it emerges, it returns to its slumber once again.
"We frequently have this discussion," said Richmond District superintendent Monica Pamer. "But we never really reach a consensus."
Instead, Pamer said schools often implement a "uniform day," where students come dressed in a particular T-shirt or a certain colour.
But this is generally as far as it goes.
"We do have an acceptable dress code, of what's appropriate and what's not," said Pamer. "But at this point, instilling an actual uniform hasn't gotten much momentum."
Those arguing for uniforms generally cite the elimination of a type of fashion competition amongst students as an advantage.
Students feel less insecure or anxious about what they're wearing and can focus more on the schoolwork in front of them.
However, there's little evidence that competition to wear the latest trends and brands results in any serious form of bullying, according to Pamer.
"It's rare that clothing is an issue by itself," she said. "It's not usually a central factor that sparks major bullying."
On the other hand, those in the anti-uniform camp dislike the high cost of uniforms and support students' needs to express themselves during pivotal times of their development.
"It's an argument usually cited by the students as well," said Pamer. "They'd rather wear their own thing and express themselves in their own way."
