👔 The debate over school uniforms

Good morning. This is Shades of the Day, the daily newsletter that summarizes and organizes the different shades of perspective in news and culture so that you can see the big picture quickly.

Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed. The easiest (and most fun!) way to do that is with the Shades mobile app, where this newsletter’s content is pulled from.

It’s Monday, March 25 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s newsletter:

• Alabama’s anti-DEI bill

• The debate over school uniforms

• 4 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

P.S. You may notice that we’ve updated our branding. We’re preparing to release the biggest-ever update to the Shades mobile app, which includes a new look and feel, plus social community features. If you want to be a beta tester for the new app, email me at [email protected] and I’ll get you access.

🚫 Alabama’s anti-DEI bill

Is Alabama's ban on state-funded DEI a step for educational integrity, or a regressive move against inclusivity?

🚫 Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a law banning DEI initiatives in public education. CNN called the move part of a broader conservative push against DEI values.

🚫 You can read the full text of the law here.

🚫 Alabama Gov. Ivey championed the anti-DEI bill, saying it prevented the state from supporting programs that push a “liberal political movement”.

🚫 But Alreporter.com slammed the bill: It's a regressive attack on education and equity.

🚫 For what it's worth, National Review notes that the bill doesn't outright ban DEI programs — it just bans state-funded DEI programs.

👔 The debate over school uniforms

Are school uniforms a ticket to equality, or a creativity killer?

👔 School uniforms are more than just clothes. Americanprep.org says they're tools that foster community, reduce financial strain, and combat bullying.

👔 Schoolwear Association thinks there are other benefits, too. Uniforms boost students' self-confidence and create a better teaching environment.

👔 But Smart Asset warns that they can lead to gender inequality. They can also foster a punitive environment where students are penalized for uniform violations.

👔 And American Education says uniforms negatively affect creativity and self-expression. They make students feel like a number.

Quick hits

🏛️ Tammy Murphy suspends her NJ Senate campaign, opening the door for fellow Democrat Andy Kim.

🔍 EU regulators launch investigations into Alphabet, Apple, and Meta for potential violations of new competition rules.

✈️ Boeing's CEO and other executives are stepping down amid a continuing safety scandal involving its jets.

🇯🇵 Japan's PM Kishida has proposed a summit with Kim Jong Un, which would be the first in nearly two decades.

Thanks for reading. If you have any feedback about our newsletter and what changes you’d like to see, please share it here — or you can email me at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!