Public schools have a responsibility to educate children. They do not, however, have the right to infringe on a student's First Amendment right to freedom of expression or interfere with a student's natural tendency to experiment with his or her identity.

My children attend public school and each has his or her right to choose appropriate and sensible clothing that he or she feels comfortable wearing.

The arguments raised in favor of a school uniform are weak and lame. "It will increase test scores"-really, is it that easy? "It will be more affordable"-really, because I shopped at Abercrombie yesterday and purchased T-shirts for $12 and shorts for $15, both of which were cheaper than the uniform pieces. "It will end bullying"-funny, because a friend of mine told the story of wearing a uniform at a Catholic school and being bullied daily.

Basically, the dress code is being seen as a way to end all of the problems that exist in public school. That is one magic wand! Further, it decreases the responsibilities of parents, teachers, and administrators from being creative and proactive in their responsibility of addressing the above issues.

I also see the school board as lacking in their critical thinking in coming up with real solutions to issues that exist in public schools. I'm disappointed that this is the best they can come up with. What's next? Will they be deciding how long or short a student's hair should be, whether students can or cannot wear jewelry or make-up, and what kind of backpack they should carry?

My children will not be wearing what other adults think they should be wearing, but they will be sensibly dressed. That is my responsibility.

Theresa GagliardiEast Haven