KISJ Winter Jackets: Why only allow school outers?

Those who go to Korea International School Jeju would all know the issues of the uniform policies for the past few years. Every year during the winter seasons, many conflicts occur between teachers and students at school. The arguments were about how students shouldn't wear any jackets in or outside of the classes since it is the schools' policy, along with opinions suggesting that the various temperatures in classes make it harder for the students to concentrate and maintain their health in a comforting environment.

One important fact we should consider is that we are allowed to wear KISJ produced jackets while it isn't allowed to wear others jackets that do not have the KISJ name on them.

Schools often have conflicts with students due to their strict policies: uniform policies or other academic policies. If a particular policy discomforts the majority of the students, it doesn't mean that it is wrong, but it means that there might be a better solution to this problem.

To find out the different perspectives of the KISJ community on the jacket policy, I interviewed Mr. Borisko, Caroline Kim, and Daniel Ham. Mr. Borisko is a member of the high school leadership team, the English teacher for all grade 12 students, which makes him a good representation of the faculty's perspective on this ongoing issue. Caroline Kim and Daniel Ham, both officers of the KISJ Student Council, have been requested as an interviewee due to their comprehensive view of the student's perspective, their position in the student community, making them a good representation for the students.

"These types of complaints were always mentioned by students ever since I came to KISJ high school" (Caroline Kim). As mentioned, the uniform policy has been enacted for years, especially in high school. Even though students have tried speaking directly to the administration or to the Student Council to propose a logical reason for the policy to be changed, they learned that it is extremely difficult to change a policy when there is no physical evidence of discomfort. Kim also mentioned how it might not matter if students are banned from wearing jackets in class if the temperature is negotiable. Still, there is no reason to ban students from wearing warm jackets in the hallways and outside of the classroom when it is so cold outside.

Meanwhile, why is it so hard for the students to take off their jackets indoors when there are heaters, and the wind doesn't come in? Mr. Borisko said that students want to show their personalities. It is fair to want to show who you are through fashion. The cold weather wouldn't be the only reason behind their discomfort.

However, "Teachers come from all over America. Some cold places and some warm places. So many teachers prefer different temperatures in their classrooms, sometimes even turning the A.C on when it is freezing," said Ham. As an international school, our teachers come from non-Korean countries and all over the globe. Because of the diversity, temperatures in different classes vary.

Why would the school make uniform policies in the first place? "One thing I liked about uniforms was that they equalized people with different socioeconomic backgrounds" (Borisko). As previously mentioned, the primary purpose of creating uniforms in a group of people is to equalize people with different backgrounds and protect them from being bullied. Unifying uniforms could create a safe community.

At the same time, is it necessary for the school to ban every outer jacket but the school jackets? Also, it isn't essential to prioritize emotional safety over the students' physical safety. Afterward, that also wouldn't be the only reason for the school to have this policy.

Only students with KISJ jackets are allowed to wear jackets in class, and students will have to buy those jackets, so they don't suffer from the low temperatures in class. In Mr. Borisko's opinion, "KISJ brand jackets bring money to companies associated with KIS" (Borisko). It might seem harsh, but it is the reality. Accepting KISJ jackets would make it easier for the school to earn money while justifying their suggestions based on their school policies.

There is a purpose behind this policy; many people like the administration are trying hard to maintain this policy to protect KISJ students. Yet, those protected by this policy feel uncomfortable and feel the need to improve. Although there might have been a motivation that drove this policy, it is clear that the purpose might have changed, and there is a need to refine the policy. "KISJ brand jackets bring money to companies associated with KIS" (Borisko).

The KISJ community had various issues that sparked conflicts between the students and the teachers over the past years. An example of these conflicts is the jacket policy stating that students can only wear the KISJ jackets purchased from the school. The jacket policy itself has been present for a long time, but the student community asked to revise it several times. Also, it was somewhat unfair as its system contrasted with the diversity that the faculty holds in this school. This policy makes students confused and sensitive about temperature: when students need an environment to fully concentrate on their academics. For the parents and faculties of our community, this writing would help them learn how much the school is taking care of the students' mental health and that they are always open to new adjustments. Learning more about how others think about this policy, the readers will gain awareness of this topic and come up with a suggestion for improvement.