Jacket Rule Largely Misunderstood

A new rule concerning jackets around the school became an increasing topic of discussion amongst students – the details and implementation of which left many students overwhelmed.

The rule states that students may only wear a dark, plain jacket, with no emblems or slogans, that zips up the front.

Some students worry that this new rule will affect both their physical well-being and their personal image; and these tidings bring great distress to those who wear jackets on a daily basis.

‘Some of us feel very cold in both the classrooms and during assembly – and this rule makes us very uncomfortable,’ explained Kai, a student from grade 10.

‘It will deeply affect students’ personal image, for they will not be able to express their identities in such a way as they did before,’ exclaimed a student from grade 12.

Many students interpret this rule as being one that completely forbids them from wearing a jacket. However, this is simply not the case.

Mr Rodney Passmore, the Head of School of Springfield, explained the context as to why this rule was implemented: ‘In Springfield, there are no policies about jackets whatsoever. So, I believe what happened quite informally was that students who felt cold in the class – perhaps due to the air conditioners being a bit cold – assumed that they were allowed to wear some sort of sweater or jacket. The problem that I saw as Head of School was that we had students wearing all types of jackets – jackets of different colours, and some of them with large emblems or slogans on the front. This year I attempted to make the jacket low-key and something that does not stand out such that those who want to wear jackets are doing something similar and not expressing a personal statement. Supposedly some students will think that they are not getting a choice anymore; but, on the other hand, a uniform means uniformity in my view; and in a school, individuality in wearing jackets is unfortunately not encouraged. I’m not saying that you cannot wear a jacket if you get cold in the classroom, but if you are going to these are some basic standards that you need to keep in mind: A zip up the front, a dark colour, no wording or large emblems on the front.’

As of now, students shall only be politely asked to take off the jackets that do not match these standards, and bring those that do. However, should some students, in spite of repeated warnings, continue to wear unauthorised jackets, they will be prone to suspension or even a parental conference.