Southeast : Schools’ Dress Plan: a Blue-White Issue?

Had your colors done lately? For many of Downey’s 18,500 students, no matter what their skin palette indicates, the colors will be blue and white when they go to classes next fall.

District trustees are considering whether to require all kindergarten through middle school students to wear outfits limited to the two colors.

Officials say wearing uniform colors--though the students will not be restricted to actual uniforms--boosts school pride and helps quash gang tensions.

While the dress code has been successful at the four Downey elementary schools where it has been tried so far, it has not been tried at nine other elementary schools and four middle schools, said Supt. Edward Sussman.

Nine parents complained about government intrusion at a recent board meeting on the matter, but the proposal has the support of most parents and trustees, Sussman said.

Officials are expected to discuss the plan again at a board meeting Tuesday. If the program is successful, trustees also will consider requiring uniforms for high school students.