The Importance Of School Uniforms

Wearing collared shirts and khaki pants might seem boring, but many schools have started enforcing these types of uniforms to show school spirit and unity. School uniforms have been debated for years, but no consensus has been reached. Even though school spirit is important, students should feel safe at school, and uniforms encourage safety. Despite common opinion, public schools in America should enforce uniforms, which improve focus, save money, and provide safety.

Many states began requiring uniforms with hopes of bettering their schools. Uniforms identify schools and “promote student learning” (Firmin et al.). School uniforms started in England and were later adopted by the United States, beginning in Maryland and Washington DC in 1987.

In 2015, the average uniforms cost $128.79 while other outfits averaged $165.74 (“Should Students”). This difference may seem small, but parents have to purchase fewer uniforms than name-brand outfits, which saves money overall. As Thompson wrote, “Others might skip school, work long hours, or participate in illegal activities just to purchase clothes” (302). Some kids will do anything to make money for clothes and impress their friends, but the need to make money for clothes decreases with uniforms. Many parents with several kids in school can pass down uniforms to younger children (Firmin et al.). Other parents sell their children’s old uniforms to families nearby, which benefits both families involved. Because most uniforms are durable, parents do not have to buy new uniforms every year. While in school, I had the same uniform shirts and pants until I graduated, which saved my parents money. By saving money on clothes, parents are able to spend more on important things like bills and food. Overall, uniforms decrease the burden for parents to buy expensive clothing for their

All children desire to be “socially accepted” (“Should Students”), but many do not have the financial backing to do so. For children who cannot afford name-brand clothes, uniforms eliminate inferiority (Thompson 302). Uniforms also help “avoid economic classification” and “level the perceived financial playing field” (Firmin et al.). In schools, many people form cliques based on social standing. Uniforms do not disband cliques; however, students are able to become part of different groups because of their skills. This might seem unreasonable, but many students judge people based on what they are wearing. Because uniforms level that playing field, students are not judged by their clothing choices but by their success in school. Students prove their intelligence and athleticism based on skills and accomplishments (Thompson 302). As President Bill Clinton states, “If it means that teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms” (“Should Students”). Uniforms limit the need to fit in and put more attention on