Ticino politician proposes uniforms to reduce school inequality

A motion in the canton of Ticino calls for the introduction of uniform clothing in kindergartens and primary schools to reduce economic differences among pupils, SRF reported.

The proposal was submitted by Michela Ris, a member of the cantonal parliament for the FDP. It is supported by parliamentarians from the FDP, Centre, Lega, Swiss People’s Party and Alternative Forum.

Ris told RSI, the radio and television service for Italian speaking Switzerland, that a uniform would not mean children had to wear jackets and ties. She suggested options such as polo shirts and shorts, saying they could create order and reduce inequalities.

She said existing clothing guidelines were not being followed closely enough. The aim, she added, was not to make all children identical but to prevent inequalities from emerging at an early age.

Fabio Valsangiacomo, director of Lugano’s municipal schools, said fostering a sense of belonging and community was important. He said schools should address those issues primarily through the curriculum and lessons in general studies, where they were already doing a great deal.

How the uniforms would be financed remains unclear. Ris argued that parents would spend less because they already had to buy clothes for their children. Centralised purchasing without expensive branded clothing could reduce costs, she said.

However, the uniforms could also put pressure on municipal budgets. The proposed requirement would apply only to kindergartens and primary schools, which are managed by municipalities.