In September, I learned that all students must wear standardized physical education (P.E.) uniforms, and I was worried, to say the least. As a senior in Aquatics, swimming in my 80s-style shirt and shorts everyday did not sound fun. Luckily, so far, Aquatics is exempt from this ridiculous ruling. For a semester, I was free.

Only when I entered Physical Management this semester did I recall this painful school policy.

In previous years, students in certain classes could opt out of wearing their uniforms, in favor of shorts that fit correctly, had pockets and didn’t look horrible, without any repercussions. This was because the existing rule was not enforced in some P.E. classes. To most onlookers, if the policy were to change, it would entrust all students with the freedom of personal sovereignty over their clothes. After all, this is America, and people have the right to wear what they want.

This policy fails to address the multiplicity of Glenbrook North students, and its tremendous negative ramifications overpower any benefit it provides.

GBN is such a wonderful school, in part because it divorces standardization from fairness. Letting students revel in their differences allows for the creation of Honors and AP classes, electives and even a diverse cafeteria menu, in order to satisfy every student, rather than merely the least common denominator. It encourages students to choose what’s best for them and formulate their most advantageous academic environment possible. So, why should that not be the case for gym uniforms?

To the faculty members who disagree, I challenge you to continue this conversation. We, here at GBN, deserve better.

—senior Kevin Medansky