School Uniform Debate

Defining School Uniforms

Even among folks who support mandatory school uniforms, there is a wide range of ideas about what constitutes a uniform. In some school districts, students wear a true uniform, where all students must wear identical clothing. These are often similar to uniforms seen in traditional private school settings. In less rigid districts, students are given choices from several acceptable options. For example, a flexible school uniform policy might require:

• Blue or khaki slacks, shorts, or skirts; no jeans.
• White, blue, or red collared shirt.
• Neat and clean hair.
• Pants belted at the waist.

School Uniform Debate: Pros

Educatators and legislators cite many benefits of school uniforms. Most of these reasons pertain to school performance and safety. Parents seem to be evenly split in this often heated debate.

School Safety

Proponents of strict dress codes believe that uniforms decrease or eliminate gang activity in schools. Since most gangs are recognized by the clothing, hats, colors, or jewelry they wear, school uniforms are believed to remove some of the intimidation. Uniforms can also make it difficult for rival gangs to recognize each other by sight. This benefit is likely lost in schools that allow less choices in the implementation of the uniform.

Learning Environment

A school uniform is also said to remove many distractions from the classroom, forcing students to focus more on education. When given freedom in dress codes, students tend to wear things that are counterproductive to learning, such as:

• Provocative clothing
• Unusual or distracting hair styles
• Noisy jewelry
• Bright, inappropriate makeup

Without the distractions of fashion, many educators believe that learning will improve.

Economical Advantages

Proponents say that uniforms are much less expensive for parents, as they have less clothing to buy. In schools with one required uniform, most students only need one or two sets. Although wear and tear on the clothing could be considerable, proponents still say that uniforms are much more economical than the usual brand name fare that many students would otherwise wear.

Increase in Self Esteem

Proponents also believe that uniforms are helpful for lower income children, who are unable to afford the latest styles. Students who are dressed in discount or tattered clothing are often teased and ridiculed by more affluent classmates. This can be a huge blow to a developing ego. Many experts think that uniforms eliminate the class and social distinctions that normally exist in schools.

School Uniform Debate: Cons

Those opposing school uniforms are just as passionate as the proponents. Actually, many opponents are even more passionate about their beliefs.

Possible Civil Rights Violations

Several families have decided to sue over the school uniform debate. In 2000, a group of Texas parents, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), initiated a lawsuit alleging various civil rights infringements. According to the ACLU, rules enforcing uniforms violate:

• The First Amendment right to free speech
• The Ninth Amendment right to privacy
• Freedom of religious (students in Forney, Texas must prove religious exemptions in order to be excused from the uniform policy)

Loss of Individuality

Most kids, and many parents, firmly believe that students should be allowed to express themselves through their choice of outfits, jewelry, makeup, shoes, and hair. For many kids, tweens, and teens, their identity is closely linked to their appearance. Opponents believe uniforms rob kids of a sense of self.

Economical Disadvantages

Ironically, opponents of school uniforms are just as likely as proponents to cite economic reasons. According to those against the rigid dress codes, school uniforms are just not as sturdy and durable as more practical choices, like jeans. In addition, school uniforms must be frequently washed and dried, which could lead to a frequent need for replacement.