Uniform Tyranny Progresses onto Sweaters

by Felipe Arencibia, highlights, News, November 12, 2008

Just when you think that the uniform policy could not get anymore strict you would be mistaken. Starting in October the uniform policy will now include school colored sweaters as mandatory. Needless to say, the Media Center has already been implementing the rule, turning away all students who are not abiding to the newly updated uniform policy. So you might be asking yourself what colors are still allowed.

                The feelings among the student body were mixed and many disagreed about whether or not this was an important issue.

                “I think that establishing the new policy is limiting my independence as unique individual but regardless I feel I can deal with it.” Daryl Duran, sophomore, said.

                While other students are content with the policy so long it still lets them express their personality through the sweaters.

“I do not mind the sweater policy rule at all; I already wear a “school colored” sweater already so it is not a big deal that is if I can wear a school sweater that has some really cool design on it that is allowed on it.” Carlos Friera, sophomore, said.

                “To be honest I have no problems with that policy being implemented. I already have sweaters that are in the color they want and I even own a Gables sweater which is included in the policy.” Ashley Abesada, freshman, said.

                “The new uniform policy does not affect me at all since I was able to get a waiver.  It makes me feel like me. I am proud that I own a waiver because I can express myself. When I’m feeling happy I can wear a bright non school colored shirt without getting a detention. Not only that but I do not have to worry about following the strict guidelines that the school implements.” Carmen Diaz, senior, said.

                Yet other students are against the idea that their last resort to fashion freedom yet again was going to be stripped away. Some students were totally against the idea of the uniform policy being implemented.

                “It is an outrage and a total disregard to me as an individual person, this is the final straw. How much more could they (administration) take away from us? It will be like a sea of sameness everywhere you go. I was under the impression that it was good to diversify and be an individualist person.”  Indiana Martinez, sophomore, said.

                “I think it's useless. If you want to wear a school sweater go right ahead, but you should not be forced to wear something you do not want to do were a democracy last time I checked. Not a lot of people have the money to buy all this school related stuff, the economy is not at a good place right now.” Stephanie Sanchez, Senior, said.

In the meanwhile several students remain in a haze with what the policy requires them to wear.  They did not even know such a radical change had taken place.

                “I’ve heard several different statements from the administrators, at first I heard that it was all right to                 wear any Coral Gables “color” and then I heard that it had to be a school sweater, like the ones that are monogrammed.” Brittany Cratit, Senior.