Columbia schools considering uniforms

In her Class Notes Blog for the Columbia Tribune, Janese Heavin writes about the possibility of uniforms for Columbia public school students:

School board vice president Darin Preis knows the idea might not go anywhere, but he still wants to throw it out there -- school uniforms.

Preis plans to talk about the possibility of requiring uniforms during tomorrow's board retreat.

Research about uniforms at schools show mixed results. I've read testimonials from schools saying uniforms cut down on fights and distractions. Other studies, including one from a University of Missouri-Columbia professor, say uniforms don't really do anything.

Preis said he's aware of the concern that uniforms take away students' freedom of expression.

"But right now my desire for freedom of expression is butting heads with my desire for kids to be successful," he told me.