Uniforms--One Less Distraction

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Recommended: The negative effects of school uniforms

At first glance, fashion might seem to have very little to do with learning, but as the saying goes, “The clothes make the man,” or in this case “The clothes makes the student”— mandatory uniform policy has made a distinct difference in many schools everywhere. Throughout the last decade, the implementation of such rulings has been on the rise, bringing about waves of debate among students, parents, and teachers. Today, as the number of incidents related to bullying, teen suicides, and gang violence continue to escalate, it has become necessary for educators to provide students with emotional and social support, as well as the traditional academic curriculum. In the interest of reducing these negative effects, school uniforms became a simple yet effective solution to help cultivate a more positive learning environment. Evidence will confirm that a mandatory school uniform policy is an essential piece of a comprehensive approach that can raise self-discipline and academic achievement to a higher standard. Opponents of school uniform policies proclaim the practice to be futile. What’s more, they claim it infringes on students’ freedom of expression while restricting their creativity (Knechtle, Mitchell 487). Ann Bodine, in her ethnographic study, defines that clothing on students as a “screen on which are projected all kinds of beliefs, anxieties and aspirations” (60). The manner how a student chooses to dress is obviously much more than an expression of personal statement or style. It is a mode to communicate and convey to the world where one fits according to socioeconomic status, in-groups, as well as other factors that can marginalize students who don’t fit a specific criteria. Schools serves as a gateway to adultho... ... middle of paper ... ...e. "A Mandatory Uniform Policy in Urban Schools: Findings from the School Survey on Crime and Safety." International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership 5.8 (2010): 1-13. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. Hughes, Eloise S. “Effects of mandated school uniforms on student attendance, discipline referrals, and classroom environment.” Diss. U of Houston, 1996. Huss, John. “The Role of School Uniforms in Creating an Academically Motivating Climate: Do Uniforms Influence Teacher Expectation?” Journal of Ethnographic & Qualitative Research, (2007): 31-39. Web. Knechtle, J. C., H. Mitchell. “Uniforms in public schools and the first amendment: A constitutional analysis.” Journal of Negro Education 72 (2003): 487-494. Web. 27 Mar. 2014. Yeung, Ryan. “Are School Uniforms a Good Fit? Results from the ECLS-K and the NELS.” Educational Policy 23.6 (2009): 847-874. Web. 29 Mar. 2014

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