School uniform proposal divides Ticino's parliament

A cross-party motion filed last week in the Ticino cantonal parliament (Gran Consiglio) asks the government to introduce standard clothing for pupils in kindergartens and primary schools. The lead signatory, Michela Ris, a member of parliament for the Liberal-Radical Party (PLR), says the idea grew out of conversations among parents about children's everyday clothing. According to Ris, a uniform referencing the school or the home municipality would make life easier for families.

The proposal's stated goals are to reduce social and economic inequality among pupils, move past the pressure of fashion trends, and teach children that every setting calls for appropriate clothing.

The Socialist Party did not sign on

The Socialist Party (PS) did not co-sign the motion. Party member Tessa Prati notes that standard clothing might reduce the visibility of social and economic differences without making them disappear: the same differences, she says, would keep showing up in other parts of children's lives. Prati argues schools should instead keep ensuring access for everyone to trips and activities that some families could not otherwise afford. She adds that a sense of belonging should not depend on clothing, and that schools and families should give children the tools to avoid reducing a person's worth to what they wear.

Parents are also divided. Pierfranco Longo, head of the cantonal parents' council, acknowledges that many families care about the issue, but warns of the risk of making pupils uniform in a way that limits their self-expression and self-determination. He suggests thinking ahead to secondary schools, where parents have less say over clothing choices and where, he notes, teenagers' outfits do not always suit a school setting. Ris herself concedes that extending the proposal to secondary schools would probably make more sense, though she considers it useful to get children used to a uniform from the start of their schooling.

Longo also links the issue to marketing pressure on families: clothing retail for children and teenagers is increasingly organised around franchises and brand stores, making it hard for parents to steer their children toward choices that differ from current trends.

The question of cost remains open. Ris proposes keeping costs low and envisions municipalities stepping in for families unable to afford the uniform. Longo calls on municipalities to come forward and support such a scheme. The motion now goes to the parliament's education and culture committee.