NORFOLK, Va. — Even before last week’s attack against a ROTC classroom at Old Dominion University, the U.S. military had been showing some concern.

Students enrolled in JROTC programs within Hampton schools had been told not to wear their uniforms more than a week prior to the shooting at ODU. The school district implemented its temporary suspension based on counsel provided by the military.

In the first week of March, high school principals sent a message to families of JROTC students: “Due to recent events occurring overseas, several branches of the U.S. military have issued precautionary guidance related to the wear of military-style uniforms by cadets.”

There are four public high schools in Hampton that each has JROTC programs representing the Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force.

“At this time, all four branches have provided guidance related to uniform wear, though some branches have issued more restrictive directions than others,” the message continued. “To ensure a consistent approach across the division, all cadets across our schools will temporarily suspend wearing their uniforms to and from school until further guidance is received.

“Please be assured that there is currently no known threat to any NJROTC program or school campus. This step is being taken out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with guidance provided by military partners.”

On Friday, a spokesperson for Norfolk City Schools confirmed JROTC students at public high school in Norfolk had also been asked to not wear their uniforms but did not say when the suspension of uniforms had started.

_____

©2026 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.