Why Should Public Schools Mandate Uniforms?

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To many Americans the idea of school uniforms is like an old-fashioned concept. School uniforms have always been a contentious topic in the United States because of the culture adopted by most Americans. Unless a child attends a private educational institution, wearing specific uniforms is not practiced by children. A common argument today is that whether uniforms should be mandated in public school system. Why do more than half public schools now enforce dress codes (Toppo)? There are many different benefits for having uniforms in schools. Uniforms in public schools decrease economic problems for schools and parents, reduce social barriers between students, encourage discipline, and create a safe environment. Uniforms policies also result in decreased economic problems for schools and parents. They reduce in the possible harassment based on differences between economic standing among students. Not every student has parents who are rich and due to the differences noticed by the clothes a student might wear, they are bullied and/or harassed. School uniforms are beneficial to all families by decreasing clothing costs (Firmin, Smith and Perry, 143-168). This is very important to low income and low budget families because uniforms would save money. Since uniform increases efficiency of a student, funding could be directly used in educational programs rather than disciplinary and administrative functions. Therefore, dress policies at schools benefit schools and parents economically. Uniforms in public schools system have reduced social barriers between students. Uniforms promote equality for all students regardless of income or status. There would be absolutely no controversy created over who has the most fashionable clothes in schoo... ... middle of paper ... ...Stephen. "School Dress Codes Are Necessary and Constitutional." Students' Rights. Ed. Jamuna Carroll. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Student Dress Policies: The Success of School Uniforms and Dress Codes." Findings (May 2001). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. Firmin, Michael, Suzanne Smith, and Lynsey Perry. "School Uniforms: A Qualitative Analysis Of Aims And Accomplishments At Two Christian Schools." Journal Of Research On Christian Education 15.2 (2006): 143-168. Academic Search Complete. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. Toppo, Greg. "What to Wear? Schools Increasingly Making That Decision." USA Today. N.p., 18 Aug. 2013. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. Wilson, Amy M. "Public School Dress Codes: The Constitutional Debate." Academic Search Complete. Brigham Young University Education & Law Journal, Spring 1998. Web. 22 Nov. 2013.

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