School Uniforms Change Behavior

* In response to her letter regarding school uniforms (Letters to The Times, Feb. 27), Ms. (Lynn) Harkins completely misses the point.

Our societal breakdown is caused by many factors: poverty, hopelessness, lack of family, failure controlling our children and the direction they are heading.

Dress changes behavior. If children are dressed in school attire, they will think of themselves as students.

As a former teacher I speak from experience that it wastes a teacher’s time to discern whether a pupil is dressed according to code, refer that student to the principal, and then (wastes) the principal’s time to correct the matter.

Individual self-expression can be exercised in school through art, creative writing, music, etc.

Self-expression in clothes is appropriate after school, on weekends and vacation.

School uniform banks can be started to recycle outgrown outfits. Uniforms are a good first step in the right direction to regaining control of our children and schools.

KATHERINE H. SMITH

President

Group Resolving Anti-Social Problems

Anaheim