Students Keyla Ayala and Johnny Torres have differing opinions about proper school uniform attire. Photo by Ms. Sciametta

By Isaac Belgrave

The faculty and staff at Passaic High School want us to study in a safe learning environment, but how and why do jackets and hoodies affect this learning environment?

As most of you may know our school district has set a restriction against hoodies and jackets as of this school year in PHS. We are required to wear a jacket from the school store or one that has a logo. The authorities at PHS feel that hoodies are a risk to security and conceal a person’s identity. So, because of this, they are using security to tell all of us to take off the unauthorized jackets.

Some students disagree with this policy thinking we should wear our own jackets “We should be able to wear our own jackets and hoodies,” says Charly, a student at PHS.

There are also students, Janessa and Adrian, who say, “What’s the point of buying another jacket if we already have one,” and “I don’t want to buy a sweater that I’m only going to use in school.”

Another PHS student, Armando, stated “It’s just a hoodie. What’s the harm in wearing it?”

However, other students, as well as PHS teachers think otherwise. “The rules should be followed so students avoid consequences,” says student Michael.

One of our teachers, Mr. Grant stated, ”If we have a policy, we should abide by it.”
Mr. Reicher states wearing hoodies may pose an issue with student safety. He stated, “I think there is a security problem with hoodies. Kids who are in fights wearing hoods can’t be detected by cameras sometimes.”

Teachers who also agree with the policy think that they are more presentable and fit for everyone. ”I think it’s nice to have everyone wear the same thing to keep in unison,” stated Ms. Khalaf.

“I think that students are more formal in their uniforms,” Ms. Fabiano stated.

Other schools in Northern New Jersey are also banning hoodies from their hallways. This is said to be for safety reasons. Schools such as Horace Mann in North Bergen, Garfield High School in Garfield, and East Side High School in Newark state on their websites that hooded jackets and sweatshirts are not a part of the acceptable school dress code.

What do you think about the hoodie and jacket policy? Contact one of our staff writers and we may include your thoughts in the next issue!