The Uniform Debate The question of whether or not uniforms should be worn in schools is a tough one to answer. There are many pros and cons to each of the sides and that is why it is such a controversial issue. Before conducting any research I was completely against uniforms in public schools. I was against uniforms because I went to a public school and had the privilege to be able to wear what I wanted to school every day. I felt as if uniforms would make school even more boring and dry than it already is and people should be able to dress as they please. In some ways, I still agree with this. On the other hand, after conducting research I began to see how uniforms in public schools may actually be beneficial. The three areas of research From my own experience going to public school, I observed that many students separate themselves into “cliques”. The different cliques are distinguished by what one wears. Instead of the different cliques separating themselves by what they wear I believe that uniforms can create a more accepting environment. Around 160,000 students miss school daily due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. That number is unacceptably high. An article by Kaylen Tucker states, ”Surveyed school leaders with a school uniform or formal dress code policy in place believe their current policy has made a significant, positive impact on peer pressure (86 percent) and bullying (64 percent)” (National Survey). 64 percent is a huge percent of students that would no longer be bullied. These are numbers that cannot be ignored and have led me to believe that uniforms really can reduce bullying in public It is impossible to weigh out the pros and cons because people’s opinions about all of them are so different. For example, one person may think students expressing themselves with the clothes they wear is important and someone else might say that it’s meaningless they can still express themselves outside of school. There are counter arguments to many if not all of the points. But after conducting research I have concluded that uniforms do help out academics, and cut down bullying in schools. On the other hand, it works against families that cannot afford the high prices that come with bringing uniforms into schools. Student’s freedom of expression also comes into play as I do feel it is important for students to be able to express themselves. There is no compromise for this issue as it is either have the students wear uniforms or don’t. But a compromise for economic can be the schools requiring cheap uniforms instead of expensive ones or forcing students to embed the logo on all of their shirts. This debate will not come to an end anytime
... students in various ways, such as to learn how to ‘cooperate’ with their friends and work out the problem.” (Mr. Knight). Uniforms are not just for schools it's also for jobs or teams you play on, so you just have to sit down and think about how school uniforms can change and the rest of your priors for the good or better, uniforms can make your school a safe place, bully and gang violence free zone. Even the statistics show schools that have uniforms have a decrease bullying, gang violence and other crimes. Putnam City Schools should adopt school uniforms next year.
One of the most controversial topics revolving around schooling is the weather students should or should not wear uniforms to improve academic and social behavior. Many sources say that school uniforms improve discipline, attendance, lower criminal activity, and increase academic achievement in students; Furthermore, this is due to less distraction and conforming to the idea that uniforms makes you smarter. This false ideology that is expected from school uniforms has not been proven in any way to work and is more of a waste of the tax-payers money than an improvement. There are more outlying factors that contribute to success or failure than just uniforms and pro-advocates do not get this big picture. The most outspoken reasons why to use
Doing research I have found out that the university of Missouri assistant professor, David Brunsma said that he conducted a survey. In that survey it showed that bringing in uniforms made academics worse in schools. David tested the school with uniforms for half a year and the results said that students did better without uniforms. However this survey was only conducted in one school. In 39 other schools in Ohio they say that they had better attendance and graduation rates. Uniforms are already taking place in twenty different states and most of them have good opinions.
School uniforms have always been a topic of interest for me since fifth grade when my school merged with another and I had the possibility of adopting their uniform policies. Up until researching this topic I have always thought uniforms were a terrible idea because they were just ugly and looked uncomfortable. So with my argument paper of course I wrote about how uniforms are a bad idea. After reviewing all of my research I did in order to write this paper I came to the conclusion that uniforms actually make so much sense to me now. This could be because I am lazy and like that I wouldn’t have to make any decisions. I have also encountered many peers who do wear uniforms and after hearing their opinions and tolerance for them I began to wish I was exposed to that growing up. So I have done full research into both sides, while switching sides a few times as I created a solid outline. Currently I feel that uniforms offer a safe and united community that encourages the individual and self growth.
In society today, school-age children are under tremendous pressure to fit in with their peers and still perform well academically. I believe that school uniforms at pre-K through high school levels are an excellent way to help children succeed not only in school, but to prepare them for college and the “real world.” Three reasons why I believe school uniforms should be used in all schools is first, they are economic, next, they reduce distractions and finally, they help with social equality. To begin, school uniforms are economic. When schools have a uniform policy, it makes it easier on the children and parents.
School Uniforms eliminate freedom of expression among children and teens in school whilst also supporting conformity over individuality. The First
(“Quotes about Uniform Policy” 1). Theodore R. Mitchell, UCLA School of Education says, "I think its great news for all of us who have advocated school uniforms as a way of building community.” A pressing issue, bullying has become a big problem in many school, and to eliminate this problem, school policies should require students to wear uniforms. Many people believe that school uniforms build the community into a safer, more positive environment. School uniforms improve school academics, prevent gang violence, and assist families, who can not afford expensive clothing.
School uniforms in public schools are becoming increasingly popular across the nation. The public school system would benefit greatly if this policy were to be adopted. Opposition is always a factor when trying to make changes. Taking all things into consideration, the positive effects would be far greater than the negative effects. School uniforms should be required in public schools because their use would lead to higher education, less violence, and lower cost to parents.
The most common argument against school uniforms is that they take away the students right to self-expression. Yes, school uniforms limit what the students have to wear, but students can still have their own ways of self-expression. Students can still express their style of choice with their hair and what accessories they wear. Their shoe choice is also a form of self-expression. Students can make the uniforms their own style without breaking the dress code. School is a place to learn. Outside of school, self- expression is limitless. Some parents also believe that it could interfere with students' natural behavior to experiment with different identities. Having uniforms in schools helps erase the defined line of the social classes. Typically, popular kids in the higher social classes wear the trendiest clothing...
School uniforms are a boiling conversation point these days. There are so many well-built points of view about what route parents, students, and superintendents wish to go in. It has been disputed that school uniforms have the potential to make a school safer, that uniforms reduce harassment or self-esteem issues, and that uniforms return the focus to the students' learning. I disagree. I, in fact think that school uniforms do not help make our schools a more secure place, I think that they do not revisit the center of attention to student's education - they just shifted where the attention was previous, and that they won’t help cut down on harassment or self- esteem issues in school.
Did you know that as many as twenty-five percent of the nation?s pubic elementary, middle, and junior high schools have successfully implemented a school uniform policy? (Isaacson, 1998) School uniforms greatly benefit both the students and faculty by creating an atmosphere in which the students are able to get the most out of their education. I believe that all students should wear school uniforms regardless of whether or not the school is public. Below are clear-cut arguments in favor of school uniforms.
I don’t think children or teens should have to wear school uniforms. It deprives them of their freedom of speech. They should have the right to wear what they want when they want. The uniforms are degrading and appalling. Everything would be dull and boring if everyone looked the same and wore the same stuff! Whatever happened to our U.S. Constitution? Some kids become stressed out and could get depressed because they cannot choose what they can wear, In Our own country? The land of the free and the home of the brave and we can’t even choose what we wear? The effect would be: students becoming angry and violent, and worst case scenario, suicide.
There is an unending discussion in schools across the country about school uniforms and whether or not they make for a better experience in school for the students or just the teachers. Those who are pro-uniforms insist that uniforms will allow families to save money and time on clothing. This is so because these days children often get ready by themselves, because their parents are usually off to work before they wake up for school (Linder-Altman). Uniforms give the parents of these children confidence that their child is going to school looking halfway decent. There are also claims that uniforms will decrease the amount of bullying in school because all of the students will look alike. On the other hand, those protesting uniforms believe although everyone is pretty much dressed the same, cliques will still form and bullying will still exist (Dress code and Uniforms). I wore uniforms throughout primary school and I didn’t like them because I always felt uncomfortable in them. In hindsight, it could have been because I felt my personality was bottled up every time I put on my school uniform. There are claims that uniforms are not inclusive and won’t allow children to accept each other because of their differences (Linder-Altman). When everyone in the school is dressed alike, students may feel as if they aren’t able to express his/herself. Those unfamiliar with this topic may be interested to know the
These studies were also answered by teachers and parents by marking either agree or strongly agree. When asked if school uniforms have promoted positive student behavior; 37% parents, and 95% of teachers agreed. When asked if school uniforms decreased the amount of peer pressure and bullying because students no longer had to fit in with the crowd; 47% of parents and 90% of teachers agreed. There was only one question that no teachers agreed upon but some parents agreed with. That question had to do with school uniforms taking away students personal liberty.
My team is definitely in favour of schools having their students wear school uniforms. My teammates and I will demonstrate to you that the benefits brought by the wearing of school uniforms far outweigh any perceived disadvantages. Our first main argument, which will be explained by Brian, is that enforcing school uniforms in all schools will lift school spirit greatly. Justine will discuss our second argument, being that school uniforms reduce the amount of bullying. The fourth speaker, Ray, will debate casual clothing distracting students.