School Uniform (Bulletproof Dress)
Handknit Kevlar cord
2022
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I was pregnant with my first child and teaching middle school when Sandy Hook happened. It was the last week of school for my two elementary aged daughters when Uvalde happened. After both of these horrible events, I was terrified by the idea of sending my children to a place where they were supposed to be safe but might be shot and killed.

School Uniform (Bulletproof Dress) is the way that I am processing all of my feelings. It was originally designed to be satirical, to be a more extreme response to these tragedies. But, the real responses from some of our leaders were too close for comfort. 50 million dollar proposal for police shields. Bulletproof objects and backpacks for children. Vests for elementary kids in the classroom. Military personal and single entrances for all schools.

I do not want to normalize this type of environment for any child. None of these responses are solutions that will effect the deep, cultural change that is needed. They are temporary reactions to the root issues. The money spent on any of them could be given to programs that support mental health and wellness, to provide interventions in the lives of students who are struggling, to sustainably support teachers, to legislate gun laws that will help protect human lives.

My hope is that a civil conversation about guns and the safety of our children will occur as people experience this piece. The timing is intentional. School is starting and the elections in November are coming. It’s time to pressure those who have the agency to create changes to do so. It is time to support teachers and give them the resources that they need to inspire our students. It is time to answer this violence with love and logic instead of more violence.