For years, underclassmen and juniors have anticipated the day they can say goodbye to the school uniform: a blazer and button-up shirt paired with skirts or pants.  

While uniforms are required for your first three years at Webb for Sunday Chapel, community dinner, and other Webb events, seniors have had the privilege of wearing any formal attire in replacement.  

However, on November 16th, the students were hit with a shocking surprise after Yesela Tadeo, Dean of Residential Life, sent an email stating, “ALL boarding students are required to wear their uniforms for Sunday Chapel.” Many Seniors, including myself, are feeling emotions ranging from disappointment to uncertainty about this switch-up.       

As words of dismay and frustration swirled amongst the Class of 2025, many were confused as there was no clear reasoning.  

“I think it’s a very sudden change, without an explanation,” Christina Young (‘25) said. “We should have the same privilege that seniors in the past years have had.” 

Marking the first year of the two-school merger, the school has made many rapid changes, raising the question of which traditions should remain and which need to be altered. Social traditions are much different from senior chapel talks and the Honor Pledge Ceremony. The traditions, such as the Senior Bench and, of course, formal wear for seniors, are essential to keep and pass down throughout the student body. They allow for a connection and tie between alumni and current students if we continue something that started many years ago.   

However, school administration holds a different perspective.  

“[School uniforms] would be a nice way for the entire student body to have the unified feel of being one Webb,” said Michael Hoe, Assistant Head of School. “From an equity standpoint, it kind of levels all of that where if you open it up to “formal dress,” what does that even mean? Does that mean a jacket my parents handed down to me or a full-on designer suit?”  

However, there is also an argument to be made about self-expression and preparation for the future.  

“I feel like taking away this opportunity to explore professional attire is not fair for someone who is about to go into college and the real world,” Kenny Clay (‘25) said.  

Another concern by the student body was figuring out what to do when they are missing their uniform.  

“I think the rule was poorly communicated because we didn’t know after the new school year started that it was in place,” Kenny said. “Personally, I know a lot of seniors had already gotten rid of the uniform.” 

Currently, many students are left scrambling to borrow or find replacements for their skirts, ties, and even blazers.  

While the enforcement of seniors wearing their uniform is not something that is necessarily a major rule change, there is still widespread disappointment and a wish to continue a loved tradition. Being able to wear formal attire instead should be a privilege granted to the seniors who have waited years for this moment.