School Uniforms

Outline

Thesis: School uniforms should be required in public schools because their use would lead to higher education, less violence, and lower cost to parents.

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.

By requiring school uniforms in public schools, education will be improved. A dress code will enforce discipline toward learning. Uniforms improve a person's outlook toward success. Students generally act the way they are dressed. With fewer distractions, students see the school as a workplace for teaching and learning. Students also have less stress in their lives because they are not in a fashion competition. Dress codes also lead to a change in grades. Mainly this happens because the student's attendance comes up. There is also a change in grades because it is easier to focus when everyone looks alike.

Another reason school uniforms should be required in public schools is that it causes less violence. There will be less peer pressure toward competition to distract the students from their studies. Everyone will be equal if the uniforms were to be required. The weapons factor will be cut down drastically by mandatory uniforms. The reason for this violence decrease is that weapons will be harder to conceal. If the weapons are harder to conceal, there will be less attempts to hide the weapons and fewer will be brought to our school or school functions. This brings about a change for the better, because it reduces social classes.

Cost is another reason that school uniforms should be required in public schools. Critics complain that this policy is too costly; uniforms are actually more affordable. There are fewer clothes to buy because everyone will be dressed in similar clothing. There is no competition between peers to outdo each other. There are also ways to help low-income families with the cost. With community support for low-income families, in the form of donations, clothing vouchers, and support from the business partners of the communities, this problem can be overcome. The great number of thrift stores and uniform supply houses also reduce the cost for the clothing. These things combined can make it far less costly to purchase standard clothing than to meet the demand for designer clothing worn now.

Chosen by each school, uniforms can provide students with a school identity. It can also strengthen school and individual spirit and pride. This is achieved in much the same way as an athletic team uniform builds team unity. The joining together by all students will also raise the morale and self-esteem of students. Students that are together in one mind lead to a school that is united. There are a lot of things to consider when making your decisions on how you feel about mandatory school uniforms. No one should jump to any conclusions without being fully informed. After gathering information on the pros and cons of the issue, then each person should think long and hard on the benefits of wearing school uniforms. These benefits far outweigh the disadvantages for the well to do and low-income alike.