Cardozo’s New Phys. Ed. Policy Sparks Major Controversy

Cardozo High School’s NJROTC program, one of the largest in New York City, is facing a difficult shift in the Spring Term. The new policy, implemented by Principal Colby and Assistant Principal Jaramillo, requires NJROTC cadets to attend their gym class in full gym uniform on Thursdays, Navy inspection day.

For years, the cadets participating in the NJROTC program were not required to change for gym on Thursdays, in an effort to not disrupt their inspection grade. However, the new policy, beginning in the Spring 2026 term, will now require them to wear the full Cardozo phys. ed. uniform for gym. 

Principal Colby explained how the program has grown significantly, and with more students participating, “the dynamics have changed.”

“When two or three students don’t change, it affects the flow of the class,” Principal Colby said. “This wasn’t a major issue when the program was smaller, but now, it’s become disruptive for physical education teachers and other students.”

To address concerns that students and instructors might have, she pointed out that from now until the Spring term begins, administration and instructors have time to ensure every aspect or concern of this new policy is met with and addressed. In addition, Principal Colby emphasized that students will be given garment bags to put their uniform in to ensure the safety of their uniform and also the quality of the uniform while in the gym. 

“We’re working with vendors now to make sure every cadet has one,” she said. “We’ll also have adult personnel in place to ensure there are no thefts or losses.”

Assistant Principal Jaramillo, who supervises the phys. ed. department at Cardozo, clarified that this new policy was created to ensure there was fairness for both teachers and students, and also academic accountability if someone doesn’t wear their gym uniform. 

“This ensures all students meet the same expectations,” she said. “Not changing into proper PE attire is equivalent to receiving strikes under the physical education grading policy. We want everyone to have equal accountability.”

Assistant Principal Jaramillo also gave prominence to how the policy will vitalize discipline amongst the cadets. “Students can participate fully in gym class without risking damage to their inspection uniforms,” she said. “It’s about balancing both programs and reinforcing responsibility.” She highlighted the aspects of being a cadet and how discipline and efficiently balancing work-loaded programs are amongst the challenges that cadets will face, and how they can work on these challenges and adapt to them. 

However, NJRTOC instructors and cadets feel differently about the new policy. Chief Chen, who is one of the Cardozo NJROTC program instructors, shared concern about this new policy and how it can interfere with the integrity of the uniform. 

“As the Naval Science Instructor, I hold our Cadets to the highest standards of military bearing and personal accountability,” he said. “ Uniform inspections are not just about appearance, they are a direct reflection of discipline, pride, and respect for the traditions we uphold.  Our program operates in strict accordance with NSTC M-5761.1B (Regulations for Citizenship Development), and any policy change must be aligned with the doctrine we teach.”

Chief Chen emphasized the meticulous care that cadets put into their appearance on uniform days, as well.  He pointed out that male cadets use shirt stays for their uniform tops, while female cadets take time to perfect their regulation buns that meet Navy grooming standards. 

“These practices are not arbitrary; they are foundational to the citizenship development mission of NJROTC,” he added. “A policy that compromises these standards risks diminishing the values we instill and the commitment our cadets demonstrate.”

While Chief Chen acknowledged the usefulness of garment bags, he has concerns about the time that cadets might need. “While garment bags may offer some protection, they do not address the core issue: time,” he explained. 

“Cadets are allotted approximately five minutes before and after gym to change, which is insufficient for properly donning or securing a Navy Service or Dress Blues uniform to regulation standards,” Chief Chen said. “Even seasoned military personnel require more time to ensure proper fit, alignment, and grooming.”

“Rushing this process not only compromises uniform integrity but also places cadets at risk of tardiness to their next classes, disrupting both their academic and NJROTC responsibilities,” he emphasized. 

Another major issue that both instructors and cadets are worried about is the cost of uniforms, should something happen to them while stored in the locker room. Chief Chen pointed out the high cost of each cadet’s uniform. 

“The financial value of these uniforms is substantial, often exceeding $500 per cadet, and upwards of $800 for upperclassmen and Staff Cadets who wear blazers and combination covers,” he said. “The potential for loss or damage is unacceptable, especially considering the pride and responsibility cadets associate with their expensive issued gear.”

To address the concern with academic integrity in the physical education curriculum, Chief Chen pointed out that a solution is already in place. To make up for the lost day of physical education on Thursdays, cadets already partake in PT training on Fridays. 

Mr. Georgatos, Assistant Principal of Naval Sciences, had similar concerns that the cadets might have. “Our students take immense pride in wearing their uniforms all day,” he said. “It represents their dedication to leadership, discipline, and service. The worry is that this policy may unintentionally send the message that their efforts aren’t fully recognized.”

He and Principal Colby mentioned that the school has reached out to Commander Humphreys, who is the Navy’s regional overseer, to ensure that all aspects of this new policy do not conflict with any of the NJROTC regulations. 

Cadets in the NJROTC program have similar opinions about the policy change that echo both Assistant Principal Georgatos and Chief Chen. Edwin Hernandez, a junior cadet, said, “I really hate it; it makes no sense to me. Changing in and out of uniform takes time, and now it’ll make us late or risk messing it up.”

Other cadets, like Laura Lopez and Colin Shult, shared similar opinions. “It wasn’t a problem for three years until now,” Lopez said. “By changing, I could lose a pin or wrinkle my uniform, which affects my grade. It’s not worth it for one class.”

Furthermore, cadet Cheyenne Heen emphasized additional concerns about locker space. “Even with garment bags, the lockers don’t fit them properly,” she said. “We might have to force them in, which defeats the purpose. The policy still risks damaging uniforms and could make students late to their next class.”

Not everyone disagrees with the change, though. Physical Education teachers raised the issue of the disruption in classes due to several cadets not being in gym uniform, while others need to change every day. An example of this is phys. ed. Mr. Tsolekas who believes the new rule is fair.

 “It’s not right for some students to change and others not to,” he said. “In [St. Francis] Prep or private schools, students wear suits and still change for PE. It’s about fairness and responsibility.”

While there are mixed opinions of this new policy, one similarity that both sides consist of is the camaraderie of the cadets and their success, which is very important for both sides. Principal Colby also mentioned that the administration is open to adjustments due to students’ concerns and open communication as the policy goes into effect. 

“We’re making sure no one’s inspection grade suffers,” she said. “This is about maintaining balance and fairness for all students.”