The Pros And Cons Of School Uniforms

One of the biggest controversies in the United States is whether or not public school students

Does it really matter if students dress the same, or different at school? As a matter of fact, this has been a debatable topic when school uniforms are mentioned. Furthermore, in the majority of public schools, students do not have to wear uniforms. Moreover, in the majority of the private schools, students have to wear uniforms. In addition, what would happen if uniforms in a public school were required? Uniforms mean that every student in the school would be wearing the same clothing item. Of course, many parents and students are fond of this idea, however, many are opposed to school uniforms. In this journal entry, we will be looking at why schools should have uniforms, and why they shouldn't have uniforms.

Walmsley (2011) specifies the four main reasons many schools mandate school uniforms: “1) enhanced school safety, 2) improved learning climate, 3) higher self esteem for students, and 4) less stress on the family” (p. 63). By issuing school uniforms, students are less distracted by the clothing their peers wear, and more focused on their school work (Walmsley, 2011).

uniforms will not end all confrontation between the student, it will only change the reason for it.

For quite some time now there has been an ongoing discussion about students wearing school uniforms in public schools. Is students in the public-school system play a major role on them academically? Is making the students wear uniforms unfair or does it show equality? What image does it set for the schools that do have a uniform policy? Over the last few decades, the schools, parents, and students have had a debatable issue over the uniform matter.

School uniforms have been a topical debate amongst educators, parents and children for quite some time now. Many folks feel that requiring uniforms in school has had a major influence and impact on the students and on the school environment as a whole. Opponents, on the other hand, think that the obligation of uniforms violates the right of freedom of expression for students and can be a financial burden on lower class families. These are some of the main points from people who are against enforcing school uniforms. So, should students truly be forced to wear uniforms to school daily? On the surface, it seems that the uniform debate should not be as hotly debated as it truly is. It’s just clothing. But, in reality the uniform controversy has spear headed a large deliberation and there has been much research done that has proven that schools that enforce uniform dress codes have improved on many levels. Uniforms have been shown to improve attendance and graduation rates, help prevent gang activity on campuses, alleviate peer pressure, and much more. Requiring school uniforms, even at a basic level is something that should be enforced in all schools. (https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/school-uniforms/)

According to Statistic Brain, twenty-three percent of the United States have the school uniform policy (research conducted in 2017). This means that one-fifth of the country’s students who are in school are not allowed to wear their own clothes. The statistics indicate that a majority of the United States disapprove of school uniforms since the percentage remains low. The topic about school uniforms has created two sides of the issue. Some believe that students should wear school uniforms to provide an equal learning environment. Those who oppose school uniforms believe that they do not give students the ability to feel safe in their own clothes and the right of self-expression. This topic has been a controversial debate and continues to

In “Public School Uniforms: The Pros and Cons For Your Child”, Grace Chen states that 20% of all public schools have adopted uniform mandates. Public schools didn’t have school uniforms till 1994. Schools wanted to have school uniforms to address safety issues. According to school district data, within a year, the fights and muggings at school decreased by 50%, while sexual offenses were reduced by 74%. More schools across the country are requiring uniforms at their schools, which are naming school safety as their primary motivation. Other statistics argue that uniforms are not as beneficial as school administrators and parents are encouraged to believe. Some opponents say that the lack of individualism and comfort among students are decreasing their learning and success. The real question would be: are public school uniforms good for the children. School uniforms aren’t good for the children.

Can you believe that only 12% of high schools wear school uniforms, while 20% of elementary school wear school uniforms (Lake). When they have schools require school uniforms, the students are suppose to dress the same everyday to look unified with one another. Uniformity, feeling uncomfortable, and the First amendment protections should convince others against requiry of school uniforms.

Did you know that about twenty-three percent of public and private schools in the United States today issue a school uniform policy? Statistics demonstrate that about $1,300,000,000 is spent annually on school uniforms and that parents personally spend about $249 on average to purchase school uniforms for their children (Statistic Brain, 2017). I find many students and parents complaining about school uniforms and the encumbrance that they impose on households. While the teachers and principals of these schools claim that school uniforms grant classes a decent appearance, there are also several pros present for allowing students to dress as they choose. First, enabling students to wear what they personally select grants them their unalienable freedom of choice and allows them to develop self-confidence. Second, it is quite beneficial for students who do not possess enough money to purchase school uniforms. Third, it allows students to make independent choices and not to depend on the school to offer them attire that may not be right for them. If schools permit students to dress as they prefer, then students would enjoy more freedom in creativity, in finances, and in feeling independent.

Why do parents send their kids to school? Of course, the answer to this question is to learn and socialize while having fun at the same time. But with the increased marketing and commercialization of celebrity-endorsed or branded-clothing and other youth-related products, these days getting ready for school, going to school, or staying in school is a challenge for students and parents. There is an increased pressure of keeping up with the dresses and appearances, especially for the students in schools with no uniforms. As a result of this increased pressure, students are constantly comparing and measuring themselves to their peers to fit in instead of focusing on education. All this constant comparison and measuring in turn results in behavior problems and violence related to clothing. In fact, the focus on fashion and appearance is so much that the true purpose of going to school is getting lost. In other words, with students placing greater value on dresses and appearances, there seems to be an increase in dress-related behavioral problems and violence in schools, and the best solution is to reduce such occurrences is to implement school uniforms.

What if America could cut down the number of school shootings by changing one thing? Would they be willing to change it? What they could have a little more piece of mind when their children go on a school trip by changing one thing? Would they be willing to change it? What if someone knew that their child would not be sent home from school because of what they are wearing by changing a single thing? Would they change it? School uniforms are the change we need. A school shooter would stand out in a second. A child would be easily spotted in a crowd of people on that school trip. A girl would not get sent home from school because everyone could see her shoulder. School uniforms could save so many lives, from school shootings to a child getting lost on a school felid trip and much in between.

The opposing side argues that school uniforms should not be legalized in public school because there are no ways to express the inner being of one's true self. The major factors sur-rounding the oppositions’ stance are not affordable, the students losing confidence, and it cannot be proven on academic achievements. The struggle in families is mainly about not having enough money. Many of the families do not come from a rich-family-background. In Highland-Gaffe's Falls Elementary School, NH, principal James Paul wanted to conduct an experiment on having mandatory uniforms. Seven out of four hundred and fifty-four parents refuse. "Those sev-en children never wore uniforms, which, from my point-of-view, kind of derailing us" (S4). The reason for those parents to reject the mandatory uniforms are unknown, however, the board soon rejected the proposition. Another reason why the opposing side does not agree is because of the students' feelings. No child had a saying in this matter because all the grown-ups were thinking what is the best for their school instead of the children that makes up the school. A seventh grad-er named Aaron Morton said, "Uniforms are uncomfortable. They make you feel all stiff like ro-bots or something" (Viadero4)(S4)" Another seventh grader, Alexis Richardson also said," Peo-ple can't be who they are if they have to wear the same thing every day" (Viadero4)(S4). These two precious, little kids believe in what they believe.

The proponents say that having school uniforms is a great idea, it would create a better learning environment. Students would be more focus on their school work rather than the fashion trend, not feeling pressured to buy certain clothing so they can belong to a certain clique. This would cause less absences and tardiness, because the student will want to come to school without having anxiety about not fitting in. Also having school uniforms could prevent violence in school, being able to identify who belongs to the school and who doesn’t. Giving students more security at school, intruders wouldn’t easily walk in and not be spotted by school attendance. The uniforms would create less division among students, gangs would

Many public schools around the world have always given children diversity within the educational environment. School administrators are able to achieve this goal by allowing students the ability to freely express themselves. Until recent years, public schools and administrators have noted an astonishing difference in behavior and academic performance. This success is due to the use of school uniforms mandated in public schools. Unfortunately, most school districts follow certain policies that restrict students from choosing their own form of dress. This restriction may contain unintentional negative effects that may emotionally harm the children and interfere with their true self. School uniforms follow strict policies that should not be mandatory in public schools because they are a violation of student's human rights that deny these children the right to self-expression and individuality.