School Differences: Why Are School Uniforms?

School Uniforms? Today, many parents and teachers struggle with the idea of school uniforms. Many feel perplexed with the idea if it is the right decision for their child and school. Positive and negative effects for the student can be seen in public and private schools on this topic.

This will be proven by analyzing the proponents and opponents views on school uniforms. While some schools feel that uniforms repress freedom of expression, studies have proven academic achievement through student success in schools that embrace a dress code. Looking first at the cost of school uniforms to understand the debate. In Caruso’s article, he informs that “In Chicago, some businesses that support the idea of school uniforms have contributed

It becomes easier for the student and parents when there is no pressure about having to pick out what to wear each day. Having less focus on superficial styles helps the students focus better when they arrive to school to start their day. According to U.S. Department of Education, “In 1996, President Bill Clinton praised school uniforms as a way to help “put discipline and learning back into our schools.” Clinton directed the U.S. Education department to produce a manual on school uniforms and distribute it to the nation’s school districts.” (U.S. Department of Education Backs School Uniforms). When everyone shows up to school in a uniform, it is apparent that distractions will drop significantly. In Peter Caruso’s article, he informs that “experts in psychology generally agree that clothing and appearance influence individual and group behavior. Clothing can provide clues to the status of person or groups as well as being a reflection of values.” (85). Regardless of a financial status, all students are the same when the students are in the uniform. This makes each student feel like an equal which helps boost

The reasons are: a student’s right to their opinion and having a school safe environment for the students” (Caruso 86). Many students feel angry towards schools for perusing school uniforms because many feel they express themselves only through their clothes. Students that feel they cannot express their style through clothes at school may later on rebel against the school and their parents. Uniforms to some may feel uncomfortable and may not be universal to all body styles. If students feel apprehensive about how they are dressed then the learning discontinues in the classrooms. Some parents feel it is cruel to not let their children express themselves the way they want and end up switching schools for a better fit for their needs. In Sarah Kizis’s article she states, “Opponents say they infringe on students’ constitutional right of self-expression and do not address schools’ real problems”