School Uniforms

School Uniforms are being pushed more and more in schools, but what is commonly thought of when the words “school uniform” is said? For most people the picture of children in the same colored uniforms gathered in front of a Catholic Church or a private school is displayed in their mind. This picture is one of the many problems with school uniforms. Instead of being seen as an individual, students are seen as just another kid in a uniform attending a fancy private school. The students cannot develop the self-expression that is crucial to their development at this age. Uniforms are thought to create a more protected campus and learning environment, however, if someone wants to bully someone else, clothes are not going to stop them. The cost, which is usually seen as a pro, can actually be more than people anticipate. As one can see, in the best interest of any student, school uniforms should not be made part of the dress code.

The uniform debate is one of the most hotly fought fights in the history of schools. Parents, teachers, administrators, and students seem to find it impossible to land on a middle ground on the topic. The topic of discussion is not going away, but rather growing. In 2000, twelve percent of public schools utilized uniforms. By 2013, that percentage was up to over twenty. Originally, uniforms were used as a means to set children of the upper class apart from those of the lower class (IES NCES). It was a quick way to show who has money and who was just scraping by. Recent statistics, however, indicate that they may have much more merit than merely a way to show prestige.

An educational institution was not intended to be a platform for students to parade fashion, wealth or privilege. Too often, kids are preoccupied and obsessed about popularity, social standings, and how they can fit in. How children dress themselves often separates the haves from the have-nots. Households that are struggling to make ends meet are not financially able to keep up with fashion trends and can be targeted for bullying. When peers are dressed in uniforms, the social class distinction becomes much less obvious, prejudice and discrimination will lessen; which ultimately create a less hostile environment. As a result, school uniforms will compel students to spend their time expressing themselves through other channels; such as art, music, sports, and academic achievement.

Requiring high school students to wear uniform, creates a “level playing field,” reducing the visibility of socioeconomic disparities simply through the clothes being worn to school. High school is a pivotal age where identity is being formed and simple things such as not having the newest clothes, or most stylish shoes in time could alter an individuals confidence. With putting a uniform policy in place, those from a lower socio-economic status are less likely to feel insecure among those from a higher socio-economic background. Generally, families with a lower income that are unable to afford the most up to date styles benefit from uniform. Certainly, it is mendacious that through the implementation of school uniform that students won’t distinguish themselves based on income. However, in many instances, the enforcement of wearing the same no name brand clothing greatly reduces competition between peers that may be in place.

In 1987, Cherry Hill Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland, became the first public school with a school uniform protocol (Public, 2017). Since then, the number of public schools that necessitate school uniforms has increased. With this increase comes the need to weigh the different consequences of uniforms. Many studies show both sides of this argument which is still being debated today. The implications from research show that there are positive and negative aspects of school uniforms in schools.

The idea of uniforms being required for public school students has been a widely controversial topic in the recent past. In the 2003-2004 school year, only one in eight public schools required students to wear uniforms (ProConorg Headlines). In the 2013-2014 school year, one in five public schools required students to wear uniforms (ProConorg Headlines). This essay will discuss the reasons that uniforms restrict the individuality of students, burdens families that cannot afford two sets of clothes for each of their children (Farrell), and serve little to none purpose in benefitting the education of students. Uniforms are meant for the workforce, not school children.

It is a belief that school uniforms teach students to respect their learning environment and behave themselves, and, therefore improving discipline. However, that assumption isn’t entirely correct. Researchers have actually found that school uniforms don’t make students better behaved. According to a study of more than 4,500 students, those who wore a school uniform did not have fewer behavior problems or better attendance. Forcing students to wear uniforms lead to more problems and misbehavior instead of encouraging discipline. Students could get into trouble if they did not wear their uniforms correctly. Many kids in today’s society cannot stand the thought of someone telling them what to do, especially what to wear. Instead of encouraging respect, uniforms may cause rebellions. For example, in 2009, a group of students at John A. Ferguson Senior High School rebelled against their school uniforms. Instead of following their school uniform requirements, the students wore what they thought would be a better school uniform to school. Not only uniforms don’t earn schools the respect from its students, but it may also lead to more problems.

Many school administrators and parents believe that uniforms create a better learning environment at school. First and foremost, many administrators claim that students are not as distracted by how they look, and therefore, spend more time learning at school. This allows students to focus more upon their schoolwork, rather than social appearances.” (PAR 3) A parent want to feel at ease knowing that their children is in a safe and secure learning environment when their children are at school. However, being able to provide a safe learning environment will not have the same effect on all students. Some students will still act as if the school uniform never

Public school systems across the country are now requiring students to wear uniforms. Can uniforms really make a difference in a child's academic performance? Wouldn't uniforms infringe the child's creativity and self expression? The "clothes don't make the child" right (Hempill A15)? Wrong. School uniforms can drastically reduce school violence and help a student to focus on school work. In 1996, President Clinton endorsed public school uniforms in his State of the Union Address(Atkins 42). This created a rage among some education critics across the country. Critics complain that uniforms will lessen children's individualism and creativity, infringing students' rights and hint of racism.

School Uniforms has an everlasting effect on some students. Weather it is in the classroom or out in public. This study debates the diverse effect that school uniform has on student achievement, attendance, and behavior (Gentile & Imberman, 2012 pg. 1). Often students and parents are so caught up on school uniform or dress code for a fashion statement, they tend to forget the true meaning of education. Today a very large portion of public schools has adopted dress school into the school curriculum.

Schools around the world have debated whether uniforms are important in the academic success of a student or not. The debate comes from a place of studying how uniforms benefit or inhibit the student’s social, educational, and behavioral performance. Numerous studies show the varying sides of the debate, including the pros and cons. The area, type of school, and parental stance is taken into account when studying the effect of uniforms versus dress code. Uniforms are not beneficial in schools because they prohibit individuality, diversity, and comfortability of students.

School Uniforms could help with getting ready in the morning, reduce gang-related violence, and help with discipline, according to statistics. A problem that is often brought up when discussing this situation is that the uniforms would be too expensive which is a valid point. A parent would see the price as the big problem but from a student’s perspective it’s like taking away their individuality

The discussion regarding the purpose of schools uniforms among parents and school administrators have increased in the last few years. The debate on whether school uniforms affect students’ performance have challenged also. School uniforms are often seen as unstylish and unattractive due to lack of design and color scheme. The use of school uniforms are used to aid students’ behavior, performance, and attendance. It provides an opportunity of growth in a student’s physical, social, and moral development. In addition, the long term effects have a profound influence on their actions, emotions, and well

The wearing of school uniforms is increasingly popular across the nation. It becomes a controversial argument of communities rejecting these mandated school uniforms in their schools. However, school uniforms are not a negative thing; in fact, they could be positive in many ways by eliminating cliques, saving money for parents, and taking away the bullying off students less fortunate; whereas, school uniforms will also violate students’ freedom of expression, create a financial burden on families, and uniforms will not alleviate the problems such as higher academic rates, attendance, etc. However, with a solution that would benefit both parties, the public school systems in the Oklahoma City district would benefit greatly if this policy were adopted in all the schools since the district only has seventy-four public schools with uniforms, while seventeen schools are not.

Education is the foundation of society, and the policies schools implement have lasting implications beyond the classroom. With all of the constant issues that school districts regularly have to address , the topic of school uniforms often falls to the wayside. However, research indicates that the adoption of school uniforms has an immense impact on student behavior and attitudes. In 2014, at Duncanville High School in Texas, one hundred and seventy teenagers were suspended for refusing to wear school uniforms (Golgowski 2104). This incident is just one of many cases in which school uniforms have pushed students and administrators to their limits and tarnished the school culture. School uniforms thwarts students’ self-expression, , imposes unfair gender roles and the time dedicated to enforcing strict uniform policies is an unnecessary waste of class time.