It is Labour Day in the U.S. and Canada, so no school. It is back in session here in Jamaica. Luckily, I am working at home this morning and can avoid the madness on the roads. I was caught up in it a couple of weeks ago, in the downtown area. It seemed most of Kingston had converged on the downtown area to buy the khaki uniforms (for boys), tunics (for girls), books, backpacks, shoes and other supplies. I was there to conduct some business but ended up slaloming around parents making deals with vendors and their children who were tagging along. It was quite an experience.

Yesterday, amid the back-to-school hype, I was struck by this story about a young woman who wants to alter her tunic so it meets the religious requirements of her Islamic religion. Her school will not accommodate her. It sounds like there is more to the story, and it also sounds like personalities are getting in the way of principles. But the question remains: how does it affect other children, who are there to learn, if a fellow student’s uniform is comprised of more material than theirs?

I would like to add a commendation to the reporter for covering this story with sensitivity and commitment to just stating the facts. Have a good Monday!