Uniform Policies

I saw a news report from Richmond, Indiana, which I found compelling. The school system there has started requiring uniforms for their students. I'm sure this is happening all over the country. Administrators are trying to curb inappropriate clothing in their schools, and uniforms are their answer. I was struck by how angry the parents in this news piece were. Since I view everything through the prism of leadership, here are some observations:

• Might school uniforms inhibit creative expression and encourage conformity? I couldn't locate any research on this question (please post if you know of anything). Conformity to shared values can be a good thing - but so are self-expression and wild creativity.
  
• Without uniforms, some students will wear inappropriate clothing - that's a fact. However, wouldn't those be opportunities to teach valuable lessons, including accountability?
• Is a lack of parental leadership the root cause?

Here is the video: