Middle School Students Speaks Against Uniforms

Middle School Student Trey Perkins seem to have earned the respect of the George County Board of Education last week with a presentation against school uniforms.
A very nervous Trey made his argument with several points; he began with stating that uniforms were an extra expense on low income families.
Trey told that counting his siblings and step-siblings there were six children living in his home with only his dad working. “It is hard for some families to provide school uniform and other clothes, too,” Trey said, “George County is not the richest county in Mississippi,” he continued with pointing out that many students eat free or reduced lunches.
Trey told the board that the citizens of the county voted against the uniform policy, when they were able to vote on it several year ago and he had more than 500 names on petitions against the policy.
He pointed out that sometimes purchasing the uniforms were an issue due to local stores, not keeping them is stock year round.
Speaking from experience, Trey said that the approved light-weight jackets and sweaters that can be purchased as part of the uniforms, nor were the uniforms themselves thick enough to keep the students warm in the cold season. “For those of us who have to ride a bus, we freeze waiting on it on those morning, especially on really, really cold days.” Trey pointed out.
Before completing his presentation, Trey and his step-sister both told the board they personally did not like the uniforms and neither did most of the students because “it takes away our self-expression.”
School Board President Ronnie Cooley told the students that the board would discuss the issues Trey brought up in an upcoming work session and both Cooley and board member Larry McDonald told the youngsters that their input on the matter was much appreciated.