School Uniforms Will NOT Reduce School Violence

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In 1755, Benjamin Franklin, inventor, author, and founding father of the American government wrote, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Thus, in regards to the debate of the school uniform policy, could it be said, to conform to the masses to secure a little safety; liberty is being forsaken? Uniforms have been around for centuries; yet, only more recently introduced into American public schools in 1979, as a way to combat differences in social status among students. Today, school uniform policies are being looked at as a way to combat violence in the American school systems. Collin’s English Dictionary online defines uniforms as a prescribed identifying set of clothes for members of an organization, and the literal definition of uniform is identical or consistent. By applying the uniform policy in schools, is the intended message to students, to conform and not question authority? The school uniform policy is ineffective because it does not benefit the student body, the parents, or the faculty. In order for the implementing of the school uniform policy to be effective, the policy must: encourage students both academically and personally, be within a reasonable budget for the parents of students, be easy to enforce, and finally, promote safety for the students and the faculty. With this in mind, the policy of wearing school uniforms does not directly improve a student’s grade point average or assist in boosting their self-image or self-confidence. Students improve their grades by participating in class, practicing the skills acquired in the classroom, and applying themselves academically to reinforce the skills they have learned, not... ... middle of paper ... ...e impression everyone is alike, and no one is unique. Parents literally do not save anything by the enforcement of this policy. It only constitutes more out-of- pocket costs. Violence in schools will not be deterred by what the students are wearing. Society is fooling itself into thinking, by implementing the school uniform policy, violence, among other issues, can be solved. Truthfully, it is merely a substitute for these much larger issues. Works Cited “Dress For Success?.” Early Childhood Today 19.4 (2005): 3. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. McCarthy, Colman. "Uniforms Not A Cure For Schools' Ills." National Catholic Reporter 32.22 (1996): 22. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. "School Uniforms." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 1 Sept. 2000. Web. 9 Feb. 2014.

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