Comparison On The Worldwide Debate Of Uniforms

Uniforms have swept through the world, taking over schools, and restraining students in outfit choices. Though many people are for uniforms, many, however, are not. With a constant debate on whether uniforms are needed, I stand objectified against the use of uniforms, because research proves uniforms have a negative impact. Not only are the students negatively affected by uniforms, but so are the parents. So why do administrators put such a restraint on the clothing students wear? The short answer; they want to eliminate many of the problems that come along without the use of uniforms. Instead, more problems were created in its place, yet school boards are still blind to the cries of those against it. With a world so against change, open mindedness, and lack of freedom, I plan to examine the ‘side effects’ of wearing uniforms. Research has shown uniforms are very costly, does not allow freedom of expression, and does not help in the long run to further a student’s learning.

Having school uniforms greatly decrease one’s way to get bullied. “Perhaps most importantly, a uniform means students don't have to worry about peer pressure when it comes to their clothes. When everyone is dressed the same, worrying about what you look like isn't so important. There is no competition about being dressed in the latest trend, which would put a great deal of financial pressure on students and parents. Potential bullies have one less target for their insults; it's hard to make fun of what someone is wearing when you're dressed exactly the same...” (Should Students Have to Wear School Uniforms?). With the same as gang violence, having uniforms does not get rid of bullying altogether. With my experiences in both non-uniform and uniform enforced schools, I saw far less bullying in schools with uniforms. Most of the bullying incidents I have seen are focused on the kid’s appearance due to clothing. Having the uniforms can help students look at each other in a more equal

Though the simplicity of school uniforms limit self-expression, they increase the overall quality of a student’s education. More schools, both public and private, are adopting uniforms in order to reduce crime and decrease the amount of distractions in the learning environment. Uniforms can oftentimes be costly and eliminate the amount of leeway students have when it comes to personalizing their appearance. However, uniforms better the school experience for a majority of students who wear them.

One of the disagreement on the issue really involves ATTITUDES towards wearing uniforms. Parents has a huge impact/ role on the topic that every student disagree with as well. This topic becomes more controversial because 50% of the parents wants their kids to wear school uniforms and the other half of the 50% wants their kids to wear clothes they brought. So let’s talk about the parents who are in favor of their kids wearing uniforms. 1) Parents don’t want the phone calls from

23% of public and private schools enforce a uniform policy. This number has grown since the year 2000 and is still continuing to grow (Ashby). School uniforms have many benefits, but they also have disadvantages. Some people believe that school uniforms take away expression and individuality from students. They believe that allowing kids to express themselves through their clothing is a freedom that should not be taken away. Others believe that school uniforms are beneficial because they decrease bullying and put less pressure on students to look a certain way. School uniforms can also cause the environment in a school to feel more professional and unified by keeping the focus on learning. Students in America would benefit from all schools requiring uniforms.

Do people actually believe school’s uniforms matter? Uniforms do not always help with learning environments. Sometimes they can even make it worse. School should not force their students to wear uniforms because they need to express themselves, it is expensive, and it can cause low self-esteem.

Uniforms will help prevent students from bullying each other for the apparel they wear and their personal opinion of what is trendy. Finally, uniforms will help parents with financial problems not have to buy so many outfit’s for their child at the beginning of the school year. Public school uniforms are all around better for parents and

1. Daugherty explains often schools uniforms are less expensive than the clothing that students typically wear to school. Nonetheless, the cost of purchasing a uniform may be a burden on some families. Districts planning to institute a uniform policy should address this issue prior to implementation. Grants of assistance have been available from federal or state agencies and from private sources, and graduates typically donate their uniforms to the school.

When my son started school in 2007, he was not required to wear any type of uniform for almost two academic years. As soon as he started first grade, he noticed a big change; a new dress code which makes him wear the same color of outfit as his classmates, a uniform. Many schools in the world use uniform in schools. Brunsma a sociologist at the Virginia university stated in his book that: “The idea of requiring public school students to wear uniforms was first envisioned in the 1980s by then-Washington, D.C., mayor Marion Barry, who believed standardized dress might help public school students succeed as well as those in the city 's Catholic schools. The idea flopped, but in 1987, Cherry Hill Elementary School in Baltimore implemented the first known schoolwide uniform policy "as a means of reducing clothing costs and social pressures on children," (David Brunsma 2004). School uniform put together children of all social class and help them feel more comfortable, School uniforms enhance equality amount student and reduce complexity in schools.

Over the last decade, the debate over the implementation of school uniform policies in school systems has been seen widely across the United States The decision of uniforms being implanted in school systems is based off the state or the individual schools policy. The school either can make uniforms mandatory or voluntary. Schools have policies that convey the expectation of acceptable appearance, such as going to school in a properly dressed manner. In 1996 the percent of schools that had uniforms was 3%. As a result of this low number, President Clinton and the Department of Education encouraged the belief that uniforms make “schoolrooms more orderly [and] more disciplined”.(Gentile) This caused a substantial growth in school systems enforcing uniforms that the number went up to 15%. Schools that have uniforms believe “they eliminate a source of distraction and differences among students, reducing conflicts, bullying, ostracism and crime”. Uniforms also raise students ' self esteem and pride in the school community”.(Gentile) By enforcing uniforms, they can cause students to prioritize in their academics rather than trying to fit in with society’s expectations. While there are schools that have benefited from the use of uniforms but there are still some who don’t believe in them. The schools that don’t implement uniforms believe uniforms disobey the infringement of the first amendment right. These schools believe uniforms restrict students from showing their true

After several not-so-great experiences I have had in the school district, I think I have come up with a long-term solution to increasing amounts of disrespect and subordination both among the students and the faculty. I grew up in a parochial school in New York City. In St. Andrews we had to wear school uniforms. The memories of my childhood aren't filled with unforgivable actions towards me, and people picking on each other about what clothes they are wearing. The most trouble I ever remember getting myself into was during the first or second grade when I lost one of my phonetics books. Never do I remember fights in school or any threat of violence. Considering the fact that this was a different time, it was only a few years ago. I

South Hadley High School was once again compelled to tell two students to turn their shirts inside out. They have become concerned because of t-shirts showing indecent messages and obscene language. Every day this issue progresses more and more. This has now gotten so out of hand that this school must make a rule in the code of conduct preventing message t-shirts. South Hadley has become troubled with the safety of both students and faculty. If this irresponsible behavior goes on much longer the school may not be an exceptional learning environment for students.

One of the greatest controversies that is spreading throughout high schools in the United States is parents and their children against the enforcement of their school’s uniform policy. More schools have been adopting uniform policies within the past decade. Rules contained in the policy that are implemented range from wearing certain types of tops (shirts) in specified colors to students being required to tuck in their shirts. In the past, uniforms were exclusively for students who attended private schools because they were “well-off”, but now uniforms are being seen more frequently in public schools on students of all economic levels. Having gone through a school system that considered adopting a uniform policy, I would have to press against the issue of mandated uniforms, because it is simply un-American and unjust.

The decision for school district to enforce school uniforms has been in existence since the 16th century. School uniforms were originally created for poor children; however, over time, schools saw uniforms as a way to bring students together. There has been debate whether uniforms improve academic success while reducing affiliation of violence. There is opinion and study that indicate no correlation between school uniforms and academic achievement; however, there were come correlation between school uniforms and student behavior. Among many concerns is the cost of uniforms, especially for a multiple child household.

Over the years, there have been many debates over the implementation of school uniform policies in our schools. Opinions are formed about the appearance of uniforms powerful effects on the way in which a student should dress. This significant role of attire relates to how students could relay a message to themselves and others. In addition, uniforms are one of the most serious administrative concerns in our public school system. I strongly favor the fact that school uniforms are perfect because they assist in helping students reach their full potential, increase social acceptance, and enhance the focus on student achievement.