Preview

Uniforms in Public Schools Essay Example

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1802 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Uniforms in Public Schools Essay Example
Uniforms in Public Schools: A Positive Approach Towards the Future
Since the late 1990's many public schools across the nation have opted to implement a stronger dress code policy which have involved the addition to a specific mandated uniform policy. While some critics of mandatory uniform policies believe that there is no justification for change, school uniforms offer educational benefits, improve student behavior, social interaction, and are more cost effective and durable than traditional street clothes. The issue of mandatory school uniforms has taken on several debates over the past decade and it is believed that this issue will plague public schools for decades to come. We must ask ourselves the following questions to fully understand the reasoning behind this mandatory uniform policy and why it is important to implement such changes.
What are the educational benefits to school uniforms?
How do school uniforms improve student behavior?
Do social barriers really dissolve because of uniformity?
How are uniforms cost effective for lower income families?
Is there a compromise to the uniform issue?
Students who wear uniforms feel a sense of esprit de corps with their fellow classmates. This feeling of being part of a group boosts morale and individual confidence, thus leading to higher grades. Children will be more focused in a uniform classroom. There is no more distraction as to what the other kids are wearing or who has the name brand shoes. Girls will be dressed appropriately and clothing will fit properly. This adds to the learning experience. There is no more competition. There is no more rivalry and the children are able to focus on their schoolwork and not on the latest trends. In 1988, researches David L. Brunsma and Kerry A. Rockquemore performed a study of eighth grade students and followed their educational paths through college. Demographics were acknowledged and data was collected based on each student's geographic location,

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Today, many schools around the world enforce uniforms, requiring students to wear specific clothing. School uniforms, which was first established in 16th century England, are a topic of much debate in the public school system of the United States. Many people feel that uniforms reduce competition among students and bring a sense of unity in school. People who are against school uniforms think that they prevent students from expressing themselves and inhibits creativity. Many students dislike school uniforms because uniforms can be viewed as a violation of their rights, while others benefit from uniforms because it relieves the stress of picking what to wear to school. Although school uniforms do have its benefits, they also limit self-expression.…

    • 1067 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Public schools across the United States have been dealing with the issue of dress codes. As of 2008, twenty-two U.S. states specifically authorized schools to institute dress codes or uniform policies (8). School boards may generally create and enforce dress code, but they must do so without violating students’ constitutional law (9). Schools are finding difficulty in enforcing their dress code among students. Parents feel as if the schools dress codes are condoning their students for expressing themselves and say that it is unconstitutional and wrong. Parents, students, and administrators all have the idea of uniforms in the back of their mind but, they will have to give up things to have them. Though a dress code for high schools students is appropriate, uniforms would be a better option.…

    • 1456 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Lenient dress codes are one of the leading causes of bullying and also can decrease test results. In conclusion, schools should impose school uniforms. School is a place meant to learn, not to make fashion statements. We need to invest in the well being of our…

    • 505 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    School Uniforms Panacea

    • 690 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Others argue the importance of school uniforms but in reality, they can break the school and families down. They won’t make students feel unique, it is costly for parents, and it can create bullying. Why change a policy that can create harm to students and their environment they live in. Instead, let’s make sure that schools have the freedom to wear what they…

    • 690 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Have you ever attended a school where school uniforms were mandatory? The answer is probably yes, as during the 2013-2014 school year, one-fifth of public schools in the United States had to do so. As for me, from Kindergarten until 5th grade I had to wear a school uniform. But once 6th grade rolled around and I changed schools, uniforms were not enforced. I’ve seen both sides to this story, and believe that school uniforms are a controversial subject which can be easily contrasted. Some may think that school uniforms can help students succeed, while others think that they don’t alter the success of a student at all. No matter if a school enforces uniforms or opposes them, the education of the student is most important.…

    • 784 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    School Uniforms Essay

    • 672 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Uniforms. They’re everywhere! Compulsory for most working Americans, they follow us throughout our whole life. Whether you’re a solider, doctor, waiter, or car salesman, uniforms are apart of your job. Now some people are trying to creep these uniforms into our public school system. Do we really need them? Will they make us more capable, more strict and studious? I don’t think uniforms are at all necessary. Students should be given the liberty to wear their choice of clothing to school because it interferes with their self-expression, uniforms are harmful to the transition to adulthood, and they only act as a 'band-aid' towards bullying, gang activities, and cliques.…

    • 672 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    As far back as the 80’s, schools, parents, and students have been debating the issue of requiring school uniforms. There are students who like wearing uniforms according to a study by researchers from the University of Nevada; Reno College of Education. Their study found that there was a decrease in gang activity on campus, discipline and an increase in student safety. Also that more Latino students found school uniforms beneficial than Caucasian students did (Wharton, 2013). Many students say that requiring uniforms is “unfair” and that it stifles their individuality and self-expression. School students should wear uniforms so that no one student can be singled out for their style, so all students will be dressed alike as well as cutting down the chance of them being bullied, beaten (or worse) for their clothing (Unknown, 2013).…

    • 792 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    School Uniforms

    • 397 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Purpose Statement: To persuade the audience of the positive effects of wearing school uniforms instead of regular clothing to school…

    • 397 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    School Uniforms

    • 1289 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Many students in America are forced to wear a uniform to school every day, and it violates some of their basic rights. School uniforms should not be mandatory in public schools, as they cause more problems than they solve, are expensive for students and schools, and suppress individuality. School uniforms are in some cases, extremely expensive and quite pointless, seeing as how they do not accomplish what they say they can. Furthermore, they are suppressive, unproductive, and in some cases can have exactly the opposite effect on the students of a school, creating a gang mentality or further dividing the student body (“Dress Codes”). School uniforms have a rather long history, dating back to the 16th century in England, and have continued until the present day. These are only a few of the negative side effects uniforms can have, and there are several others.…

    • 1289 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Pro School Uniforms

    • 1888 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Public schools across America are searching for ways to improve safety, the sense of equality and to also help parents save money. One way to improve all these issues would be to adopt a school uniform policy. The adoption of the uniform policies will help improve public schools in America.…

    • 1888 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    School Uniforms

    • 579 Words
    • 3 Pages

    School uniforms in public schools are becoming increasingly popular across the nation. The public school system would benefit greatly if this policy were to be adopted. Opposition is always a factor when trying to make changes. Taking all things into consideration, the positive effects would be far greater than the negative effects. School uniforms should be required in public schools because their use would lead to higher education, less violence, and lower cost to parents.…

    • 579 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Although school uniforms may not let kids express themselves as much as choosing their own outfits does, schools (public or private) should be required to wear uniforms. Uniforms are proven to save families money and reduce bullying and violence in school environments. So now you have it, I am hoping by now you realize the beneficial side to this large scale debate and that you can now see school uniform policies are much…

    • 1000 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    School Uniforms Debate

    • 703 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The utilization of school uniforms is a subject of sizzling debate among parents and school authorities since long. Some dispute the advantages of school uniforms, while others consider that the shortcomings are far more abundant.…

    • 703 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    School uniforms should be required within the public school system to eliminate violence. In February of 1996, President Clinton provided momentum to the school uniform movement when he said, in his State of the Union speech:…

    • 1053 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Students wearing uniforms prevents violence in today's schools. Uniforms are equal and give students a sense of security because everyone is the same. Students need to be able to go to school to learn, that should be the sole purpose of going to school. These days most schools don't have dress codes and students wear whatever they want. These kinds of clothing can be distracting and disrespectful to the students. Girls wear revealing shirts and tank tops, guys wear pants that fall down, and they also wear distracting types of shirts with violence or vulgar language on them. Uniforms are a lot more respectable and a lot more mature, and they won't be a distraction to the students and the teachers. Now, some people would say that uniforms are a little too formal. There are many different kinds of uniforms however. Private schools such as catholic schools have more formal uniforms with collared shirts and plaid skirts for the girls. For the boys collared shirts, ties and cargo pants.…

    • 680 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays