What are the differences between voluntary and mandatory school uniform policies?
Voluntary school uniform policies often originate at individual schools and/or with the PTA. These policies let parents choose whether and in what circumstances their children will wear school uniforms. There is no reprimand for students who do not wear uniforms. Voluntary policies often involve fewer legal issues, including the requirement to buy uniforms for students who cannot afford them. Mandatory school uniform policies are adopted by the school district and usually require all students at participating schools to wear specific clothes and colors at all times. In most public schools, these policies have provisions for students (with parental consent) to opt out of the uniform requirements due to religious or health reasons. Mandatory polices without an “opt- out” could be vulnerable legal challenges. View the government’s Manual on School Uniforms.
