Against School Uniforms

Purpose of School Uniforms

Many people associate the concept of Benefits of School Uniformsschool uniforms with private schools. While private schools often do adopt a uniform of one type or another, more and more public schools are weighing in on the issue as well. What is the purpose of requiring students to wear school uniforms? There are actually a variety of issues depending upon the school and the community that is involved. They include the following:

• Create Uniformity-In order to create a sense of unity, many school officials believe that requiring students to wear the same clothing eliminates the stigma that may surround the socioeconomics of some campuses. Their theory on this topic is simplistic—if students dress alike, they are perceived as alike, and thus treated alike.
• Reduce Gang Activity-Unfortunately, even small towns aren't immune to the influence of gangs on young people. By requiring uniforms, clothing that is typically associated with gangs is eliminated, and at least some of a gang's influence is reduced.
• Eliminate Dress Code Violations-Schools whose students do not wear uniforms often find themselves battling dress code violations. School administrators may find themselves spending an inordinate amount of time doling out discipline slips to those who insist on pushing the envelope when it comes to appropriate dress at school. The argument is that instituting school uniforms would eliminate at least the discipline problems in this area.
• Reduce Behavior Problems-There are some who believe that just by requiring students to wear uniforms, students will be better behaved. The theory is that if they dress the part of a proper student, they will act the part as well.

Against School Uniforms

Those of you who are against school uniforms are already howling in protest at the reasons listed above. While it is easy to understand why students would detest the implementation of school uniforms on campus, many people might be surprised to learn that some parents and teachers are also against school uniforms as well. Their reasons are just as compelling.

• Discourages Individuality-Because students are encouraged to think outside the box and think critically, the idea of uniforms directly opposes this theory. Many feel that young people are still developing who they are, and requiring them to conform every day in appearance may deter them from discovering their true individuality.
• Creates More Expense-Many parents protest the requirement of uniforms for their children simply because they feel the addition of uniforms to their child's wardrobe is an added expense to their budget. Obviously, their kids will not wear the uniforms outside of school, so another set of clothing must be purchased as well. Kids won't stop wearing jeans and casual tops just because they have a closet full of school-required clothing as well.
• Impedes Safety Issues-Think about this situation. A school fight breaks out, and kids are everywhere. The guilty party or parties take off running. If everyone is wearing a uniform, how will a teacher or student identify the culprits if they don't know them personally? In a small school, this may not be an issue, but a larger school could pose tremendous problems of identification if everyone is dressed alike!

The Real Issues

Before a school district can decide whether to implement system-wide school uniforms, the members of the board would benefit from forming a committee made up of parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, and students. This committee should discuss the real issues regarding the pros and cons of school uniforms.

• What are the reasons behind the supposed need for uniforms?
• Do these reasons outweigh the negatives that could occur if uniforms are required?
• Will there be any financial aid available for families who cannot afford to purchase the uniforms?
• Would a stricter dress code work better instead?
• How restrictive would the uniforms be?

Once the real issues have been realized and discussed, only then can those involved in the decision-making process truly make an informed decision. For more information, read our interview with Linda LaCerva on this topic..