After months of debate, Bronx River High School has unveiled a new uniform policy aimed at being more inclusive and cost-effective. While some students praise the updated look for its simplicity, others argue it stifles personal style and creativity.

The new uniform options include green shirts with the school logo, black or navy pants, black sweatshirts with the school  logo and speciality items, such as club and advisory T-shirts. Missing from the list is the popular BRHS hoodie. Students who currently own the hoodie can still wear them but new ones aren’t for sale.

According to Dominick Pellettieri and Joseph Shinn, both deans and gym teachers involved in the uniform discussions, the decision was made to maintain a more professional appearance and reduce distractions in the classroom.

Mr. Pellettieri said the problem was students in hoodies refused to remove the hood during class. Students aren’t allowed to wear hats, including hoodies, in class.

Hoodies have become a widely debated topic in schools due to their practicality and comfort, especially during colder months when classrooms can feel uncomfortably cold. While many students view hoodies as a simple and stylish way to stay warm, administrators encourage students to wear the newly introduced crew neck sweaters available for purchase as an alternative.

This ongoing debate highlights the broader challenge of balancing school policies with students’ desire for comfort and personal expression, an issue many schools across the country continue to face.