Should students attending public schools have to wear school uniforms? This has been a controversial topic for many years. In his 1996 State of the Union message, President Bill Clinton said he would support school uniform policies if they help deter violence, and there is evidence that school uniforms not only control violence but also promote ideas and achievement as students focus more on academic pursuits (Stanley 1996: 424). On the other hand, there was a study in 1998 that showed that uniform policies did not have any connection to attendance problems, behavioral problems, substance use problems, academic preparedness, or pro-school attitudes. (Brunsma 2004). Each year public schools all over the country propose the idea of implementing …show more content…
One of the main reasons for uniforms back in the 19th century was for social equalizing. Wilken states, “The main purpose of these uniforms was to prevent rich learners from making the poorer learners feel inferior”. With the large number of students living in poverty today, for many children, not having to worry about meeting social standards when it comes to clothing can have a huge impact on their self-esteem. In 1995 Long Beach School District, California (USA) drew national attention by adopting mandatory school uniforms and reporting after only one year a dramatic decrease in disciplinary problems, as well as higher test scores (McLean, 1999, p. 39). Research on the role of school uniforms in safety with reference to violence and gang activity revealed that learners and educators indicated that it may decrease violence and theft and restrain gang activities (Wade & Stafford, 2003, pp. …show more content…
One primary argument espoused by opponents is that uniforms interfere with students' right to choose their dress-a violation of students' First Amendment right to free speech (Mitchell 1). It is true that self-expression is a good way to encourage student’s creativity, however there is great evidence that school uniform requirements promote a healthy learning environment free from the distractions that clothing can bring. Another reason for opposition would be that poor families can’t afford to buy uniforms and that they can become costly to maintain. This is a very valid point and as Wilken states, “One of the biggest overall challenges to the textile industry is the demand for stain-resistant features and wrinkle-no-more materials that are appropriate for school uniforms”. While some feel that school uniforms levels the playing field for students, others argue that a democratic society should not require students to be in uniform, especially not schools that are funded by the government. Wilkens points out that in South Africa, before 1993, the powers of school principals and their staff were vast and the rights of learners were not even considered. Consequently, obligatory school uniforms were prescribed without even allowing for discussion of the matter. The South African Schools Act of 1996 introduced a new era in education when the rights of learners were specifically
Ever wonder what it would look like to have all students wearing the same white polo shirt, black pants, and a district sweater walking in the hallway? Nowadays, public school and many districts are discussing the possibilities of enforcing the uniform policy. In most places, many private schools already require students to have their mandatory uniforms; however, there are only a few public schools adopting this mandatory school-uniform polices as one of their enrollment requirements. The reason why not all public schools participated was because people believe that they are violating the freedom of choice when enforcing this mandatory uniform policy; yet problems such as bullying and segregation, emerged in these schools. Some people still think uniforms have no benefits at all. However, all public school students should be required to wear uniforms because it would improve the academic performance, reduce the violent behaviors based on appearance judgment, and provide less stress for both parents and students.
“The Manual on School Uniforms”, printed and issued by the United States Department of Education, noted that Long Beach, California, reported a decrease in crime, fights, sex offenses, weapons offenses, and vandalism after they adopted their uniform policy (4). Contrary to government findings, The National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 discovered that school uniforms have had no real effects on behavior, drug abuse or attendance; furthermore they also came to find that uniforms actually have negative effects on the academic achievement of the students (Brunsma and Rockquemore 54). If school A is emphasizing that school uniforms are conducive to the learning environment, yet school B down the road has higher testing scores but no uniform policy, then their stand is no longer valid. This proves that uniforms have no effect on the learning process.
There is something comforting about school children and teenagers dressed in pleats and plaid. Maybe it is a reminder of past times, or conjures up thoughts of order and safety. Whatever the reason, school uniforms are getting a lot of ?wear? these days, yet remain an unproven deterrent to school violence. No long-term, formal studies have been done with regards to the effectiveness of school uniforms, but many schools have kept their own informal statistics, such as the Long Beach School District. These statistics offered by Long Beach are often most cited as a proven deterrent to school violence, after adopting a mandatory uniform policy in 1994. According to Richard Van Der Laan, school crime has dropped over seventy-five percent, while attendance has reached an all-time high. One question we must ask ourselves is this, ?Is it the uniforms, or the induction of them that is solving the problem?? Maybe it is the school and parents showing some ?back-bone? which is affecting the students, not the clothing.
Sports are changing especially gender-wise, people may cheat the system to play younger players or get a larger contract to be “younger”. A player that claims he is younger than he or she is is not fair due to experience indifference and higher player value, allowing a larger contract for them to cheat the system. Age requirements are important due to laws and liabilities, depending on the country and league rules. If you are under the age of 18 and are injured in a league, there could be large consequences for that league or other player that has injured them, even without their parents knowing “Sometimes parents are not even aware that this is what has been done to their children”. Matt Ford says from an age fraud sports article in Africa.
Uniforms in our Public Schools. School Uniforms are a logical choice for the public school venue. Uniforms prevent students from a lower income background from being singled out for poorly made or cheap clothing, prevents use of gang colors, allows for certain safety measures, and allows teachers to form impressions of students based on actions and work rather than dress code choices. Since the 1990s schools have reported amazing results by mandating a school uniform policy. Konheim-Kalkstein, Y. L (2006): “School uniforms, proponents have said, can lead to improved discipline and classroom behavior, increased school attendance, respect for teachers, better school performance, higher student self-esteem and confidence, lower clothing costs, promotion of group spirit, reduction in social stratification, and lower rates of violence and crime.
Do you remember what your wardrobe was like during high school? Maybe you wore the latest in brand name clothing, anything that wasn’t associated with gang signs, or whatever hand me downs you could get. The reality is physical violence is common between children because of the name brand on a jacket or a pair of jeans. Children are being ridiculed because their families simply can't afford to provide them with the latest in fashion. In our larger cities where gang involvement is prevalent, children are killed because they choose to wear the wrong color to school. This concern is not about civil liberties or freedom of expression, it's about improving the educational environment within our public school systems nationwide. If this is a possible solution to the issues faced in public schools, is expressing one’s self with brand name clothing not worth giving up? and I went to private school where I was required to wear uniforms. I saw a strong correlation between wearing uniforms and prevention of school violence. I’m here today to talk about why uniforms prevent school violence. I will speak about how it prevents students from ridicule, theft and gang violence.
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.
At the beginning of the 20th century almost no parent or faculty had any concerns with how students dressed to attend school. Nowadays, though, this is a giant concern among students, parents, and school board officials. Many arguments have been made over the matter saying uniforms should be required and enforced in schools. But, uniforms should not be required as they ultimately eliminate freedom of expression, promote conformity over individuality, may have a detrimental effect on students self image, emphasize the socioeconomic divisions they are supposed to eliminate, and lastly, school uniforms in public schools undermine the promise of a free education by adding an extra expense for families.
(“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.
Pickerington School District should require students to have a uniform dress code. The current dress code policy is very minimal and is not adhered to by the students. Faculty overlook the students who don’t abide by the current dress code as it would take away from their teaching time. One of the main concerns that is brought up when the topic of school uniforms is discussed is freedom of expression. Many people worry that not allowing children to wear certain clothing will “stifle their creativity” (p. ) or restrict their First Amendment rights (Nevada, 2008). There are many reasons for having uniforms in public schools. School uniforms have been shown to improve test scores, raise school pride, increase attendance, reduce violence, and teaches students to dress professionally. School uniforms can also avert the wearing of gang colors (Wilson, 1998).
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.
“We cannot forget that reinforcing economic differences drives students further apart when schools should be drawing them closer together.” There are many problems in public schools with no uniforms. The use of school uniforms could eliminate some of these problems. Although school uniforms may take away a child’s individuality, there are more benefits than disadvantages to having school uniforms in public schools because school uniforms lessen the money spent on the latest fashion trends and school uniforms provide a positive school climate. A school uniform should be a simple outfit.
First, one of the chief benefits of school uniforms is their ability to make schools safer. Studies have shown that they help to reduce gang influences. (Isaacson, 1998)
The potential benefits of school uniforms include decreasing violence and threat. Some instances involving designer clothing and expensive shoes have led to life-threating situations among students. Hannah Boyd says, “Now that kids are getting mugged for their designer clothes and expensive sneakers, school uniforms seem a safer alternative to many.” "It's tragic when young people without a balanced upbringing, without grounded values, without a secure education, wind up believing that it's all right to kill somebody for a pair of sneakers or jewelry or a designer jacket," Mr. Clinton said, citing recent incidents of violence by teen-agers. With school uniforms students won’t be getting mugged for their designer clothes and expensive sneakers because everyone’s wearing the same thing and won’t get jealous of what others have. Uniforms help rid of the bullies that want to beat someone up because they dress a certain way or because they don’t have what other people have. With uniform policies kids can’t get beat up or made fun of because of what they wear and the uniforms help build that confidence that kids who get beat up lack. ...
Should school uniforms be required? Some say that uniforms help students focus on academics instead of fashion. Others believe that students should have the freedom to choose what they wear to school in order to express their differences and their uniqueness. After considering both sides of the issue, I strongly believe that uniforms should be introduced in primary public and private schools. Wearing school uniforms does not promote unfair comparisons between student’s incomes in terms of clothing; they aid students in developing their inner qualities instead of focusing on the outer aspects of themselves in the crucial earlier years of their lives, and provides a platform for practicing discipline.