Chaney students want to end school uniforms

By Denise Dick

denise_dick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

A group of Chaney Campus students believes the time for uniforms at the school has passed.

Members of the school’s Quaglia Team told the school board Tuesday that they want students’ dress to reflect their creativity.

“Chaney is a creative and special school within Youngstown City Schools,” said Buker Abu-Hashim, a member of the Quaglia Team and Chaney’s representative on the school board.

The team formed out of the school’s working with the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations. This is the third year the Maine-based organization has been working in the district to try to improve school climates, giving students more of a voice.

Abu-Hashim believes the dress code is outdated. The dress code limits students to shirts and tops that are white, blue or black and pants or skirts that are navy, black or khaki.

“This is the most concerning issue at our school,” he said.

Students at other specialty schools in the city, such as Youngstown Early College, don’t have to wear uniforms, Abu-Hashim pointed out.

His teammates agreed.

“Chaney is considered a school of the arts,” Tamron Lewis said. “We should be able to be creative and express who we are.”

Board members thanked the students for bringing the issue to their attention and said they would consider the request.

Brenda Kimble, board president, said the matter would be discussed at a board work session.

Richard Atkinson, board member, said he visited an arts school a few years ago and noticed that those students didn’t wear uniforms.

“I think it’s a great idea,” he said.