TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a significant shift from tradition, Taipei Municipal Xingya Elementary School (興雅國小), a century-old primary school in Taiwan's capital, announced Wednesday (May 8) that it will phase out formal uniforms starting in 2025, requiring students to wear only sportswear. The policy change, ratified during a May 2 school meeting, has ignited passionate discussions among parents across the community.
The news first gained traction when a mother posted on Facebook about discovering the uniform policy shift through parent discussions before confirming it on the school's official website. "I was caught off guard by this sudden announcement," she wrote, noting she had already invested in traditional uniforms for her child. Her post urged other parents to prepare accordingly for the upcoming change.
The decision has divided the parent community. Supporters praise the practical benefits of sportswear, citing improved comfort during Taiwan's sweltering summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86°F). Critics, however, fear the move away from standardized attire could intensify social comparisons among children, potentially creating unintended pressure and status competition in the classroom environment.
As Xingya Elementary School, which has maintained traditional educational practices since its establishment in 1915, proceeds with implementing this modern approach, parents continue to voice conflicting opinions. The controversy extends beyond mere clothing preferences, reflecting deeper societal questions about how Taiwan's educational institutions should balance student comfort with the disciplinary benefits of uniformity that many Taiwanese families have valued for generations. ★
