Tulsa, OK -
The Tulsa Public School Board voted Monday night to require all high school students wear uniforms.
The vote was 4-3.
With this vote, all Tulsa Public School students will wear uniforms as the other grades already require the uniforms.
The school district believes the uniforms will help stop negative behavior associated with attire, especially in the teen years, and also cut out distractions by cutting out inappropriate clothing. The school board says research shows the uniforms were cheaper than repeatedly buying trendy fashions.
Students spoke out saying the uniforms diminished their individuality.
Parents who need financial support for the uniforms can be eligible for money from PTSA fundraising, donations and school activity fund soft drink accounts.
Big changes for Tulsa Public Schools, high school students will be wearing school uniforms starting this fall. The district's board voted four to three in favor of the uniforms.
The uniform battle has been a long one spanning back a few years. Starting with high school principal not all on the same page.
"It's either all or nothing and that was the decision of the principals they said we are not going to do it unless everyone does it," says Ruth Ann Fate, a school board member who's been on the board for 16 years.
She remembers about 2-3 years ago the issue of uniforms was a hot button topic.
"We had all but a couple of principals, the high school principals willing to proceed and go with uniforms," says Fate.
Since then the measure has been brought up again but this time all the high school principals are on board. Those still opposing the idea of khakis pants and plaid skirts is one group, high school students.
"I had uniforms for nine years of my life and those nine years I disliked all of my school, I felt uncomfortable being at school and I didn't feel like I could actually be myself," says high school junior Amy Cairns. "In the three years that I've had no uniforms I've actually been happy and in school and I love my school."
Some students say uniforms take away from their individuality, Fate disagrees.
"As far as I'm concerned you are in individual no matter what you have on," says Fate.
She is vocal about the topic and she personally believes in uniforms but knows that this is a big change for TPS.
"Its a big decision and it does literally affect all of the families in Tulsa Public Schools and that makes it a big deal," says Fate.
The uniforms will be mandatory starting in the 2012-2013 school year.
