Uniforms in Public Schools

Now imagine, at least seven outfits for three children. The National Retail Federation estimates, “People will spend $14.5 billion on back-to-school clothing and shoes this year.” Private schools that require uniforms are just a little bit more expensive than public schools. Private schools have tuition and special made uniforms you have to buy. Schools claim that school uniforms are less expensive for parents. However, school uniforms generally mean an additional cost for parents, who now have to purchase different types of clothing for their children to wear in and out of school. Some families cannot afford multiple uniforms, plus the clothes that students wear outside of school. Unlike the students who can afford three, four, or five uniforms, the poorer students’ one uniform will look worn out and used by the end of the first semester compared to everyone else. Additionally, since uniforms involve specific requirements, parents may not be able to find uniform options in discount or thrift stores as they would if their children had freedom to choose their wardrobes. It will still be easier to pick out the

For example, “A national 2013 survey of 517 US school leaders found that 94% of those surveyed believe ‘one of the main benefits to parents is that school uniforms are more cost-effective than regular apparel,’ and 77% estimated the average annual cost of school uniforms per child to be $150 or less” (“School Uniforms”). The lower cost of the school uniform is a larger benefit. Instead of gruesome shopping with your child and spending a large amount as well, you can save yourself the time and purchase one simple uniform. Also, not having a variety of clothes makes mornings easier for the parents and children. There would be significantly less arguments over what the child should wear to school that day. School uniforms cause less stress, and save a parent’s money for other things. An article says about the validation of school uniforms:

This saves money for the parent and in turn, helps the child stay focused on school. Students will try to wear things that might not be necessary, or even a waste of money. They might try to wear hats and jewelry, which they do not need to perform in school. Excess jewelry and accessories are just another distraction for students. Sure, uniforms may be expensive for parents to buy at first, but think about all the money that they will save throughout the school year, not buying new clothes for their kids every month. Schools will be able to sell the uniforms directly to the kids and be able to make money that will in turn help benefit other programs in the school.

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.

Lack of parents support is the most significant reason for schools failing to implement any sort of school uniform code. Parents, teachers, and students should support the need for school uniforms in public schools so that they may be able to achieve higher educational goals. This paper will discuss many of the pros to the debate on uniforms in public schools as well as touch on some of the cons on the subject. After weighing the two sides, it will demonstrate how the pros are a more sensible alternative and why schools should require mandatory uniforms for their students.

To begin, school uniforms are economic. Parents have an easier time buying a few sets of uniforms for their children rather than buying a new wardrobe every school year. Students do not have to worry about deciding what to wear every day. Checking their closet and grabbing the uniform is all it takes. For example, back in my sister’s middle school days, she was required to

School uniforms have proved to be very costly. Statistics have shown the average person spends 230 dollars annually on uniforms. A total of 1,300,000,000 dollars is spent in the United States every year on uniforms. Also, this has shown that third class citizens are “breaking the bank,” for their child’s uniform costs. The Guardian warns that a rising number of academies and free schools are piling on extra pressure as clothing grants are axed. As more state schools demand costly branded uniforms, poorer families begin to struggle. Many families also spend money on uniforms as well as their child’s everyday clothing. This is a sign to show how uniforms affect your bank account negativity. Publilius Syrus once said, “a small debt produces a debtor; a large one an enemy.”

Secondly the disagreement most of the parents have about the school uniforms policy. Is just the beginning of the list of cons for this policy and yes, the cost for these such uniforms year by year go up like anything else! But I would imagine since they are being used for school “governmental” shouldn’t they be provided by the schools. At least a few to start of the year, since school uniforms are not tax-deductible per IRS. It does tend to add up if you have more than one child. So, it does have it pros and cons, but at the end are they worth it? Here is are a couple of statements from parents on their opinion on this issue. Both of the following statements talk about the same issue but with different outcomes. “School uniforms create a level playing field among students, reducing peer pressure and bullying”, “When all students are dressed alike, competition between students over clothing choices and the teasing of those who are dressed in less expensive or less fashionable outfits can

School uniforms are also beneficial in preventing visual distraction amongst the student body within the classroom, because with an effective school uniform policy there are much less dress code violations from both genders that can be seen as provocative attire. .

School uniforms have been debated in the public school system for what seem like fifty years. Understand the constructive views that most administrations envision, you start to recognize the goals associated with having students wear them; however, there is a flip side. The unenthusiastic views that are associated with school uniforms present an equally intriguing question. Should schools incorporate them into the curriculum or not? Who opposes it and why it may be used to insure our children’s future. All views will be presented for you to make the decision.

Although the uniform requirement has just been recently imposed, uniforms have been in existence for several centuries now. The first documented usage of a ‘standard’ garment in education was in 1222, where students were required to wear a “cappa clausa” or a robe-like outfit. School uniforms make schools a less happier place. School uniforms restricts self expression. Having required uniforms in a school’s curriculum negatively affects a student’s being because it restricts self expression, violates the 1st amendment, and they are simply unliked by many, being uncomfortable and unappealing. (Erikson)

It's the week before school starts; time to go school shopping! Pencils, paper, pink erasers too, but greatest of all, that perfect back to school outfit to kick off your school year. Weather this situation is a mere memory or is still an exciting occurrence each time September rolls around, most of us have experienced this common joy. As school uniforms make their way into more and more public schools, this annual trip could become nothing but a story from the past. In recent years, there has been a widespread search by students, parents, and teachers across the United States for the answer to this question; should school uniforms be required in public schools? I believe that students

Some critics say that school uniforms increase the amount of clothing that parents have to buy for their children, meaning that they would have to spend more money. Students wouldn’t wear their uniforms outside of school, so parents would have to buy casual clothing for their child to wear outside of school.

Over the past few years many people have voiced their opinions on whether or not school uniforms should be a requirement in public schools. “This is because many school administrators, faculty, and some parents feel this is needed to put a stop to violence, improving discipline, resistance of peer pressure; while giving them back the sense of belonging” (Wilde, 1998, pg. 100). With the way students show up to school, they tend to break the school dress code by wearing; short shorts, t-shirts that don 't cover the bust, or belly and gang related attire. That’s why school uniforms are a must in today’s society, due to the many different choices one makes when it comes to

Consider the cost of a uniform over the cost of being in style, it is clear which would win. For parents, the burden of costs normally becomes theirs as children have the need to wear certain brands of clothing to fit into friend groups. “The average cost of a uniform of a national 2013 survey of 517 US school leaders found that 94% of those surveyed believe "one of the main benefits to parents is that school uniforms are more cost-effective than regular apparel, and 77% estimated the average annual cost of school uniforms per child to be $150 or less.”(naesp.org) When all is said and done the uniform can then be reused or recycled within the family, they also can be donated back to the district making them available for other children. Accordingly, requirements of wearing school uniforms would lift the burden of cost for many families.