Although Stratford’s new skirt policy will likely discipline students and create fear of the consequences of short skirts, I do not believe  it will change much.

In my opinion, the new rule will do the opposite of its purpose.

I like to wear the most recent trends and most stylish clothes possible. Uniforms in school already hinder students’ abilities to express themselves and wear what they feel most comfortable in. Uniforms do create a common look throughout the school, but they can also clearly cause conflict between authority and students, hence the new rule.

There are many factors that make the rule impractical. Some female students have longer legs than others, putting them at a disadvantage with their skirts. The threat of distraction from short skirts is equally as significant as the threat of distractions resulting from girls losing their skirt-wearing privileges.

Personally, not being able to wear skirts would affect me in a few ways. I would feel uncomfortable. Everyone wants to feel equal to their peers, and taking away my ability to wear uniform skirts would not allow this. Shouldn’t students feel comfortable and as happy as possible at school?

There is no way for the faculty to see every single student breaking the rule and wearing their skirt too short, so every student that does get caught should not receive such a harsh punishment.

Odds are there are at least a dozen other students breaking the rule, so why should the one that gets caught get such a severe punishment?

A demerit or some other form of discipline that would not affect a student’s ability to feel comfortable and happy in what they are wearing would suffice and make a bigger, more positive impact on student life.