Dress Code Research Paper

Uniformity has certain benefits. One way for schools to harness these benefits is to implement a dress code. Dress codes are beneficial because they ensure that schools are safe, eliminate clothing-related competition and peer pressure, and prepare students for their futures. This was proven by the staff and students at Burlington County Institute of Technology, a vocational high school in central New Jersey. First of all, dress codes create a safer environment. According to Daniella, a student at Burlington, there are many gang-related colors in her neighborhood. “If you wear red or yellow, they will initiate you into that gang.” The dress code removes the gangs’ abilities to identify themselves by making sure everyone looks the same. Also,

when students are dressed appropriately, it is very difficult to hide dangerous objects, therefore making the school safer. In addition, dress codes or uniforms remove social competition and peer pressure based on clothing. When everyone wears the same thing, there’s nothing for students to compete about. One teacher at Burlington, Jamie Zerillo, states, “I think it kind of creates an even playing field for the comparative nature of who’s wearing what and how your appearance can be a big problem in high school. I think it takes a huge percentage of that away.” Furthermore, a dress code can prepare students for their future jobs. Michael R. Jones, a teacher at Burlington, declared, “The core mission of this school, I believe, would be to prepare our students for the real world experience, be it right to the workplace or continue education which will eventually leading to some sort of occupation or vocation.” Uniforms or dress codes prepare students for what they are going to experience when they get a job. In these ways, dress codes are beneficial and will improve the school experience.