BOSTON -- A local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has offered to back students in Fitchburg if they want to challenge a proposed school uniform policy, according to the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise.

In a letter sent to school committee members on March 1, the director of the Worcester chapter of the ACLU said the group is concerned that mandating students to wear uniforms hinders their creativity and individuality, and he said the group hopes to foster a debate about the proposal.

"Students only have certain ways to show their individuality, one way is through their clothing. We know we have to act as part of a group in society, but at the same time, we want to succeed as individuals. We don't want everyone marching to the same tune," Ronal Madnick wrote in the letter, which was provided to the paper.

Madnick also cited a state law that he says supports the group's argument against a uniform policy. The text, which comes from Chapter 71, Section 83, of Massachusetts General Law, states that "school officials shall not abridge the right of students as to personal right of dress and appearance, except if such officials determine that such personal dress and appearance violate reasonable standards of health, safety and cleanliness."

Madnick said the Worcester chapter of the ACLU would only challenge Fitchburg's uniform policy if the measure passes the school board and a student wishes to fight it in court.