The students at Belleville High School have grown used to the uniform policy that was brought on us in the year 2009. We have accommodated to the rules with ease, and continue to support it by continuously coming in proper uniform on a weekly basis. While there are plenty of circumstances in which students have blatantly came out of dress code, the issues are scarce. However, some additions that are now strongly being enforced break the border of a rule and are quick to become subject of ridicule. It has been brought to the attention of many during recent assemblies and meetings that these rules are going to be of strong focus by the many members of the faculty. While the faculty does enforce the rules, we are all very well aware that they do so simply because they are being told to do so with their job and/or pay at great risk. Just recently, a very high number of Belleville High School students were sent to In School Suspension because they were reportedly breaking the rules set by the set policy. It is important to note that we are not stating we are completely against the concept of wearing a uniform, but are rather against the variety of sub-rules that are now being enforced. They will be listed as follows: • Inability to wear cargo shorts – during the final weeks of the 2011 school year, it was brought to the students’ attention that cargo shorts were allowed; this year, we are being told it is no longer. The reasoning behind this is lacking and unclear. If something of any dangerous or unhealthy nature is being held, and one suspects the such, they are openly allowed to make a search. • STRICTLY black, white or brown sneakers – The idea of solely neutral colored sneakers is nothing outrageous. Most sneakers come in variations of black and white. However, items such as grey sneakers or white/black sneakers are being reported as against the uniform policy. While that is already ridiculous, it does go further. Numerous reports have shown that students are being sent to in school suspension for bearing an all-black sneaker with red laces and a red Nike “swoosh” Incidents like these are outrageous and at times unbelievable. • It is also worth noting that removing over thirty students from their education process can further jeopardize the reputation of the school. The concept of removing education rights from a student for even a day long simply because they bear a different colored sneaker. There are also the cases in which a parent perhaps cannot afford to go out and purchase sneakers solely for school purpose. The economic state our country is in proves that the times of today are rather difficult. What the faculty and staff at the Belleville Board of Education may not realize that the black and red sneakers that student has may be his/her only pair • Tucking in of shirts – The act of tucking in shirts certainly betters us for the future world of jobs and business alike. However, in several cases, those incentives don’t apply for casual wear. Polo shirts and khaki pants are undoubtedly used on a regular basis in today’s fashion standards. In most of those cases, the polo shirts and left neatly tucked out of the shirt. The tucking in of shirts is strictly for the more formal wear, and should be applied to as such. Despite that, the idea of wearing a button up shirt and tie for public school students is completely out of the question. We ask the students of Belleville High School to take part in this petition to further revise the uniform policy so it isn’t taken to unnecessary extremes. This isn’t solely for the benefits of freedom of choice, but also to ensure your right to an education isn’t revoked for outrageous reasoning. We also ask the parents of students who attend the High School to take part in this action to revise the rules furthermore, as it can also benefit you all as well. We completely understand that it isn’t easy spending high amounts of money for sneakers, shorts, etc. for solely school reasons. I would now like to take the time to thank you for reading this and hope those reading at the Board of Education take this manner seriously, as we certainly are.