Why Uniforms? The uniform makes for brotherhood, since when universally adopted it covers up all differences of class and country (Robert Baden-Powell). In today’s society school uniforms still remain a controversial issue in the nation’s schools. Proponents of school uniforms states that uniforms can reduce common probes such as fighting and allows administrations to identify non-student body personal. According to At Issue: those opposed to mandatory uniforms say uniforms infringe upon students’ First Amendment right to freedom of expression, stifle creativity and individualism, and place an unfair financial burden on low-income families. However, supporters state that uniforms improve grades by enabling students to focus on academic performances, create unity among students, and are more affordable than everyday clothing. For all these reasons, I believe that uniforms lead to student inclusion, improved academics, and more mature favorable behavior. For starters, uniform polices promotes inclusion for students from all social classes. I know from personal experience that wearing a uniform helps prevent social discrimination. For example, at a young age, I had attended a private school where a uniform policy was enforced. This policy helped us, as students make friends based on our shared interest and personalities. Second, uniforms can stop un-needed judgment among peers. Rachel Stocki, from University Wire states, that the pressure put on students to dress a certain
School uniforms help create a disciplined atmosphere that is necessary for success in academics (Brookshire 01, 02). Brookshire states that in this study it was realized that, “schools implemented uniforms in an attempt to reduce clothing costs for parents and to help curb social pressures.” (Brookshire 01) Meaning that, school uniforms bring forth more than just one advantage. As the uniforms help
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.
Uniforms maintain equality within the school. Students should not have to worry about peer pressure when it comes to their clothes. When everyone is dressed the same, concerning about how you look isn't so important. A study in the U.S Department of Education shows that by wearing a school uniform student's sense of security raised 41% and over ¾ of teachers agreed that uniforms were the reason for that happened. Students feel much more secure in school since they cannot be victims of bullies for being dressed in a certain way. For example, it would be much more difficult for a bully to make fun of how students are dressed especially if they are dressed exactly the same. According to the Department of Education in the U.S students sense of belonging also increased, this is because when students are dressed like their peers it makes them feel more equitable, valuable and included. Academically this is important for students because if students are feeling unhappy and excluded they will not be interested in their studies or even coming to school. Some people might argue that uniforms do not spread equality because it takes away the right of expressing their individuality. While that may be true individuality is what distinguishes us from others, but clothing isn’t the only way to do that. You can express yourself through what you do for example sports, music, art, etc. This is beneficial to students because they won’t judge others by their looks but by their personality. As for equality, it means equal, which is a key reason to have uniforms because it allows all students to look and feel equal. In Junior high, it is hard enough to go through your peers judging you for how you look, but
In the past 11 years, the percentage of schools wearing uniforms in the US has gone from 11.8% to 18.9%. Requiring students to wear school uniforms has many more benefits than disadvantages, because uniforms improve the safety of, not only students, but everyone on campus, reduce the likeliness of bullying through the form of equality brought with uniforms, and boost the student’s ability to nonviolently and reasonably solve social problems.
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.
School uniforms and dress codes are becoming a popular trend among schools. Most Students and some parents don’t agree with the enforcement with school uniforms, saying that uniforms are taking away self-expression in schools. But, school uniforms are not a negative thing to have. Yes, uniforms and some very strict dress codes limit what the students have to choose to wear to school every day, but it doesn’t limit them from learning which is the main reason they are in school. Some students treat school as a fashion show, so eliminating the size of wardrobe shifts the attention toward their school work. Although requiring students to wear school uniforms may violate their self-expression in some ways, a uniform is supposed to be looked
“If it means that the schoolrooms will be more orderly, more disciplined,” President Clinton said, “and that our young people will learn to evaluate themselves by what they are on the inside instead of what they’re wearing on the outside, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms.” President Clinton is referring to the outfits or sets of standardized clothes that are worn primarily for an educational institution, usually in primary and secondary schools in various countries. When used, they form the basis of a school’s dress code, which is a set of rules, usually written and posted specifying the required manner of dress at a school. It began when schools had issues with grades and behavioral problems, but they didn’t want uniforms because it infringed upon individuality. The commotion began when the uniform movement began nearly four years ago when Long Beach, California became the nation’s first public school district to require elementary and middle school students to wear uniforms. Since then, public schools from east to west have debated whether they’re beneficial or not, which has caused the controversy to heat up significantly. Even though requiring uniforms in public schools have been controversial throughout history, it continues to be an area of debate for school communities because research shows that uniform policies do provide benefits to schools, but there are also disadvantages that create unfavorable conditions
School uniforms are typically enforced by private or charter institutions, however, public schools across the country are increasingly adopting the proposal of these uniforms. Who knew that the way a student dresses everyday could have such a responsible role in the increase of their performance within the classroom? Studies conducted by David L. Brunsma, a professor at Virginia Tech, discuss the overall effect of school uniforms on a student body. The text mentions how about one in five public schools during the 2013 -2014 school year have effectively established school uniforms at their institutions. This percentage may seem doubtfully small but from the perspective of how many public schools are in the United States, which is roughly ninety-nine thousand, the number of effected schools in the country is quite a few. Although there is not any numerical percentage of how much a student’s academic achievement increases, it is well known that uniforms simply make a student feel more calm and confident in themselves in general.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. Evenings spent laying out school clothes for grandchildren quickly teaches just how insane the current expectations for school dress can be each day. Individuals face this problem on a daily basis, which can be a stressful task. Mandatory school uniforms can benefit each family member in numinous ways. Financial burdens for parents and constant peer comparison for children. It also allows students of differing backgrounds to be brought together to express themselves equally. One can clearly see that school uniforms should become mandatory in all public education systems, K-12 in so doing, improving the overall experience for everyone involved.
In 1996, President Bill Clinton stated in his State of the Union Address “If it means that the school rooms will be more orderly and more disciplined and that our young people will learn to evaluate themselves by what they are on the inside, instead of what they’re wearing on the outside, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear uniforms.” School uniform should mandatory or not; this argument is one of the most important debates for the past decades. As stated in the first amendment, all Americans have the right to express their own opinion without any fear of punishment. Nevertheless, this value is not appropriate for schools. School uniforms have several advantages, however, following are the major benefits. These benefits are included; school uniform makes students’ lives simple and stress-free, makes students disciplined and focused on their studies also less peer pressure and bullying also promote school safety, and develop unity as well equality among the students.
We should not be required to wear uniforms. For people who don’t have uniforms they will have to go out of their way to go spend lots of money on uniforms. Students should learn to make informed decisions about the clothes they wear.
Most importantly, wearing a uniforms has been proven to host little to no academic advantages. I came from a failing school district which enforced a mandatory uniform policy. It was embarrassing and depressing to know that some of my friends in other school districts were receiving a better education in addition to being able to wear what they want. “A 1999 Texas Southern University study found that school discipline incidents rose by about 12% after the introduction of uniforms.” It appears the same thing that school officials claim benefits students has a negative impact on them.
While wearing uniforms, students have to obey and follow the rules, so they will learn how to respect others. An article reports “Teachers and principals often report that discipline problems are reduces in schools that implements a standardized dress program.” (School Uniforms). In addition, wearing school uniforms is a step of preparation for professional life. When you have a job, you will have to wear uniforms. Whether you are a doctor or a nurse, you are in the same position. School uniforms also help students to realize that they are a part of a group, so they feel liked they belong and learn to take responsibility for whatever they do.
Like I had said having the uniform policy enforce at our school is a good thing because it lets us focus more on our education rather than worrying about how we look and what to wear. If we were a school that did not enforce uniform many students would spend most of the time focusing on what to wear the next day then doing their schoolwork. With uniform students don't have that problem cause with uniform there aren't many things you can wear. “A 2010 study from the University of Houston found that test scores increased after uniforms were introduced.” this shows how having the uniform enforced lets students have less distractions, and they can focus more on learning.
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.