JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the concern over the uniform situation at Westside High, News4JAX looked into the company that provides the uniforms for the school, RC Uniforms.
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RC Uniforms has a busy store on Beach Boulevard filled with uniforms for a number of schools, including Westside High School.
News4JAX spoke with a representative for the company, who told us that decisions regarding dress codes are left to schools, not the company.
They told News4JAX that some schools are rigid with uniform requirements, while others will give a week or two grace period to students.
Parents say the administration at Westside High is being extremely strict during the first week, and students are being pulled from class simply because their shirts are missing the school logo — even if the rest of the outfit meets the guidelines.
The school says the policy is mandatory, with no opt-out option.
In the case of Westside, the company said that so far this year, fewer than half of the students had purchased uniforms.
While our camera was there, we noticed several parents from Westside shopping there.
“I’m fine with the uniforms. No problems to me. I spoke to the principal myself this morning. He did clarify the issue with the bottoms. Some parents just aren’t reading,” said Kanika Hayes, whose son attends the school. “I absolutely think there’s no problem.”