Law Update: Judge Upholds Mandatory Uniforms at Phoenix School

A Phoenix middle school's mandatory-uniform policy does not violate students' First Amendment rights to free expression, even if the policy does not give students the option of not wearing uniforms, an Arizona state judge has ruled.

Lawyers for Phoenix Elementary School District 1 said they believe the recent ruling by Judge Michael D. Jones of Maricopa County Superior Court was the first in the nation to uphold a school-uniform policy with no opt-out provision.

"It's a very important victory for school districts," said Mary Ellen Simonson, a lawyer for the district. Mandatory uniforms "are a small reform with a lot of...