C.A.P.R. - Clifton Asserting Parental Rights
 

 

Join Our Mailing List! Sign Up Here!
 
Get Your Copy of the CAPR One Stop Fact Sheet!
 
BOE Questions? File an OPRA Request! Form is Available!
 
Sign Up! for our Email mail listing and be notified of upcoming C.A.P.R. events.
Your attention to this important issue is Greatly Appreciated!
 
VOTE!
Let your voice be heard!

Attending Board of Education meetings helps our Public Schools!
Board of Education Meeting schedules are at:
http://www.clifton.k12.nj.us/boe.meetings.asp
Meetings are in the basement Board of Education Meeting Room, BOE Building, 745 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ
 
PLEASE BE INVOLVED:
We would like to encourage all Clifton parents, non-parents, students,
taxpayers and residents to get involved in our community. Volunteer your
time, attend events and meetings, ask questions, and Vote!
 
Clifton is Rising!
Another Group has a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/CliftonAgainstUniforms
 
 
 
In 2015 - VICTORY!
THE UNIFORM SUBCOMMITTEE HAS BEEN DISMANTLED!
Our Clifton Board of Education voted 5 to 4 in favor of the motion
to dismantle on September 16, 2015. Thank you.
 
MANY THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS!
To all of you who took the time out of your busy schedules
over the last six months to fight together against
mandatory school uniforms in our Clifton schools!
Together we made a difference!
We would also like to thank our friends at
Clifton Against Uniforms Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CliftonAgainstUniforms
for their dedication to this cause and for adding social media to the mix.
We also want to recognize the work of Dr. David L. Brunsma, whose 15+ years
of research has provided us with an invaluable resource on school uniforms
and the sage advice of the late Gary Peter Klahr Esq. whose fight against
mandatory school uniforms in American schools will continue to inspire us.
 
STAY VIGILANT!
Stay alert and keep in touch.
If you ever find that this problem is surfacing again
please send us an email at capr@cliftoncapr.com
and let us know...
 
No Uniforms for Fall 2015... But watch out for Next Year!
(We must be vigilant...)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/district-tables-schools-uniforms-1.1358826?page=all
 
Our 2015 Campaign - C.A.P.R. IN THE PAPER!
Clifton Board of Ed. Tables School Uniforms- It's Over! (For now...)
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/district-tables-schools-uniforms-1.1358826?page=all
After being turned away from school, Chicago student shot and killed walking home
(No bowtie for his uniform... Terribly sad.)
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/crime/205456331-story
Eight seek three Clifton Board of Education seats
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/eight-run-for-three-clifton-school-board-seats-1.1640276?page=all
8 candidates run for Clifton school board
http://www.northjersey.com/news/8-candidates-run-for-clifton-school-board-1.1637435
Clifton Board of Ed. candidates talk of issues, transparency
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/board-of-ed-candidates-talk-of-issues-transparency-1.1434057?page=all
Former Clifton councilwoman forms citizens' watchdog group
http://www.northjersey.com/news/politics/former-clifton-councilwoman-forms-citizens-watchdog-group-1.1428806
Clifton Board of Education candidates discuss issues
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/board-candidates-discuss-issues-1.1428921?page=all
Clifton school board candidates joust over school-uniform proposal
http://www.northjersey.com/news/clifton-school-board-candidates-joust-over-school-uniform-proposal-1.1426065
Clifton's school uniforms committee dismantled
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/school-uniforms-committee-dismantled-1.1418116
Letter to the Editor: No need for school uniforms
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-no-need-for-school-uniforms-1.1412566
Clifton school uniforms' path, costs explored
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/school-uniforms-path-costs-explored-1.1407604?page=all
Clifton School District's OPRA request costs keep adding up
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/clifton-school-district-s-opra-request-costs-keep-adding-up-1.1407624
CAPR TV! Heat Forces Some NJ Schools To Close Early
(Not the HEAT they are complaining about- it's Public School Uniforms for Clifton schools!)
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Heat-Forces-Some-NJ-Schools-To-Close-Early_New-York-326097271.html
Letter to the Editor: Uniforms endanger freedom
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-uniforms-endanger-freedom-1.1399922
Clifton School District to state: Why funding shortgage?
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/district-to-state-why-funding-shortage-1.1367928?page=all
Clifton district's bullying numbers decrease
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/district-s-bullying-numbers-decrease-1.1388184?page=all
Eight candidates seek Clifton school board terms
http://www.northjersey.com/news/eight-candidates-seek-clifton-school-board-terms-1.1381729
Hijab-wearing girl named best-dressed student at US school
http://www.emirates247.com/lifestyle/hijab-wearing-girl-named-best-dressed-student-at-us-school-2015-06-30-1.595378
'I am honored': Hijab-wearing teen wins best dressed at high school
http://www.today.com/series/love-your-body/hijab-wearing-teen-wins-best-dressed-high-school-t30966
This Stylish Muslim Student Is Shattering Stereotypes With Her ‘Best Dressed’ Win
http://www.mtv.com/news/2219723/muslim-hijab-best-dressed/
A modest fashion sensation: Clifton's 'best-dressed' teen draws global praise
http://www.northjersey.com/news/a-modest-fashion-sensation-clifton-s-best-dressed-teen-draws-global-praise-1.1385082?page=all
Hijab a key part of ensemble for Clifton High's best-dressed girl
(Major INTERNATIONAL News Story- Impossible to occur in a Uniform school!)
http://www.northjersey.com/news/hijab-a-key-part-of-ensemble-for-clifton-high-s-best-dressed-girl-1.1364524
Clifton's district tables schools uniforms
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/district-tables-schools-uniforms-1.1358826?page=all
School uniforms don't boost security
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/the-record-letters-thursday-june-18-1.1358319?page=all
Clifton school district hires new law firm
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/school-district-hires-new-law-firm-1.1354562
BOE taking rights away
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/clifton-journal-sound-off-1.1354538?page=all
Like Seinfeld, but not funny
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-uniforms-are-like-seinfeld-episode-but-not-funny-1.1354705
CAPR TV! FiOS One: Clifton school officials say uniforms control behavior while parents say it limits expression
http://www.fios1news.com/newjersey/clifton-schools-uniform-policy
CAPR TV! FiOS One Piece on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/xbgGJF-9sCU
Debate over school uniforms rages on in North Jersey districts
http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/debate-over-school-uniforms-rages-on-1.1350882?page=all
CAPR TV! NJ 12: Officials hear debate on school uniforms in Clifton
http://newjersey.news12.com/news/officials-hear-debate-on-school-uniforms-in-clifton-1.10506126
Debate continues on Clifton schools uniforms
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/debate-continues-on-schools-uniforms-1.1344716?page=all
Shameful Behavior (Check Out the Comments!)
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-editorials/shameful-behavior-1.1344793
Uniforms not good for disabled children
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-uniforms-not-good-for-disabled-children-1.1344666
Do today's teens have a social conscience?
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/do-today-s-teens-have-a-social-conscience-1.1344704
No horsing around, uniforms and lots of Cliftons
http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/no-horsing-around-uniforms-and-lots-of-cliftons-1.1344685
Anti uniforms march in Clifton
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/anti-uniforms-march-1.1340414?page=all
School uniforms are not the answer
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-school-uniforms-are-not-the-answer-1.1340439
Clifton parents plan march to protest school uniform proposal
http://www.nj.com/passaic-county/index.ssf/2015/05/clifton_parents_plan_march_to_protest_school_unifo.html
School uniforms debated in Clifton
http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/fashion/school-uniforms-debated-1.1335199?page=all
School uniforms unfair to disabled children
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-school-uniforms-unfair-to-disabled-children-1.1335185
School uniforms are a bad sign
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-school-uniforms-are-a-bad-sign-1.1335133
Say no to school uniforms in Clifton
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-say-no-to-school-uniforms-in-clifton-1.1335190
No uniforms for Clifton students
(But Uniforms for BOE members?)
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/the-record-letters-monday-may-11-1.1330990
Where are the facts for school uniforms in Clifton?
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-where-are-the-facts-for-school-uniforms-in-clifton-1.1329194
Clifton schools don't need uniforms
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-clifton-schools-don-t-need-uniforms-1.1329322
Two CAPR members spoke at the 5/5/2015 City Council Meeting
Last Meeting can be seen on demand at http://www.cliftonnj.org/CliftonTV
Survey unscientific and biased
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/the-record-letters-sunday-may-3-1.1324518?page=3
(Copy of the 2015 Clifton Uniform Survey, English version)
Clifton schools looking into uniforms - again
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/district-tackling-school-uniforms-again-1.1323082?page=all
Letter to the Editor: Say no to school uniforms in Clifton
http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-say-no-to-school-uniforms-in-clifton-1.1323198
 
NJ.COM Has a POLL On School Uniforms!
Be sure to cast your ballot!
http://www.nj.com/passaic-county/index.ssf/2015/05/what_do_you_think_of_school_uniforms_tell_us_in_ou.html
 
*** UPDATED FEATURE! ***
Photos from the Second Clifton Public Forum on Uniforms
 
Image from the Second Clifton Public Forum on Uniforms: (Click to open full size in a new window)

 
From Facebook and Youtube: See the BOE's plan to pay for Uniforms with HSA Money! (Minute 7:50)
From the 5/6/2015 BOE Meeting:

 
Uniform Dress Code Policy - The Subcommittee's Proposal as PDF
http://www.clifton.k12.nj.us/pdf/boe/uniform.dress.code.5.6.15.pdf
From the bottom of this page:
http://www.clifton.k12.nj.us/index.asp
 
From Facebook and Youtube: A Clifton Mom Speaks Out at the 5/6/2015 BOE Meeting:
https://youtu.be/GxDk4yq8myA
 
Read the ORIGINAL Uniform Law, as passed by the NJ State Legislature. (Has been modified since then to remove Opt-Out clause!)
uniform_law_nj_state_920_i1.pdf
CURRENT State of New Jersey Uniform Law:
Expecially look at Findings, Adoption of dress code policy for schools permitted 18A:11-7 and 18A:11-8

http://tinyurl.com/op86gdl
 
Have YOU seen the 2015 Uniform Survey yet? Clifton BOE 2015 Uniform Survey, English version
En Español.
In Arabic. 
Download a ZIP file with THREE YEARS of Biased Surveys! 2009, 2012, & 2015
 

Inexpensive Polo Shirts are no longer a sign of elite status.
Instead, they have become a certain indicator of distressed urban schools.
The property values for all Citizens of Clifton will be affected by this policy.

If you are opposing a Uniform policy in your town,
please consider this website as a resource.
SIGN UP! Join our Email List!
Help us raise awareness and change New Jersey Law!

WARNING:
If this policy is adopted, New Jersey State Law does not mandate an Opt Out

for parents who want to opt out of a mandatory Uniform policy
due to Religious, Philosophical, or Other reasons. (18A:11-8)
NJ Law says that schools MAY adopt one.
Even if one is offered there are no guarantees,
a school board could still decline your request,
or change its mind and repeal their Opt Out Policy at a later date.
Eventually your request for an opt-out could end up in court,
where it might be denied.

We won in 2009. We won in 2012. We won again in 2015!
But will we win the NEXT TIME?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Traditional FREE Well Enforced Dress Code,
or a VOLUNTARY Uniform Standard Dress Policy.
But there is definitely something wrong when you are asked to give up your rights.

Download and Print our One Stop Fact Sheet!
Please share this flyer with other concerned parents.

 
Do you believe that our government has a right to regulate the color of religious clothes and head-coverings?
Lawyers employed by one NJ school with a uniform dress code think that it's perfectly acceptable.
In Pleasantville NJ, three judges recently upheld strict uniform enforcement.
The parents request to opt their child out of the program was denied.
Note what that school's victorious attorney had to say in this article:
 
"What about yarmulkes, what about turbans, what about other religions?" Polis said.
"According to the opinion it is perfectly okay for a school guard to turn away a Jewish student
with a blue yarmulke or even a Muslim student that has a blue kufi."

 
Tracey Cosby, the attorney for the Pleasantville school, said the decision has little bearing
on whether students can don religious apparel in public schools with uniforms,
but stressed the court did not have to address that issue to settle this case.
"There was no basis in religion because we had already explored the fact that
if the religious attire was within the color scheme, they are allowed to do so,"
Cosby said.
Read the original nj.com article.
Read More about how this law affects Your Rights- Click Here!
 
Important Articles about School Uniforms:
Education Week Magazine's May 1, 2005 Teacher Section Article: "Interview: Clothes-Minded"
Researcher David Brunsma gives the public school uniform craze a dressing down.
http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2005/05/01/06interview.h16.html
 
Article from the NAESP National Association of Elementary School Principals:
Uniform Policies in Public Schools, by David L. Brunsma
The school uniform movement continues to grow despite research
indicating that it doesn't do what it's supposed to do.
PDF- Uniform Policies in Public Schools

2012: Baristanet.com published an Op-Ed article from one of C.A.P.R.'s Members:
http://baristanet.com/2012/05/op-ed-school-uniforms-and-parental-rights-the-new-civil-rights-movement/

Video from the 2012 C.A.P.R. Protest

Have YOU received your Survey yet?  

FIND OUT The Truth about Uniforms
WATCH THIS short 6 min. VIDEO:
The Uniforming of Students and the Construction of Multiracial Identity
http://syndicate.missouri.edu/media/show/215
Sociologist Dr. Brunsma discusses various concerns about the growing school uniform crusade.
He addresses exactly what we are witnessing in Clifton and surrounding communities.
(This guy literally wrote the book on school uniforms.)

LISTEN to what has been happening to parents across the US:
 HEAR THE FACTS!
Download and listen to a Standard MP3 file ("Podcast", 23mb)
from an Internet Radio Show "Point Negative's" interview with attorney Gary Klahr
on the Mandatory School Uniform and Standardized Dress policies flooding our nation's schools.

Read our One Stop Fact Sheet!

We believe that in order to be able to get uniforms into schools
by September, the BOE must vote it in before the beginning of June.

BOE Meetings include a "Public Recognition" section for public comments!

Our focus is upon our elected BOE members because their vote will decide this policy's fate.

Obligatory Legal Disclaimer


C.A.P.R. Home Fair Use Notice C.A.P.R. 1-Stop Facts C.A.P.R.'s Picture Page! Contact C.A.P.R. Sign Up for C.A.P.R. Email!
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”    Abraham Lincoln