Dating back to 1222, people have been at odds over the topic of uniforms. The drastic changes between uniforms then and now has played a role in the what is considered “appropriate” or professional. The first uniform recognized for students to wear was established in England when Archbishop of Canterbury ordered that all students wear a robe-like outfit called the “cappa Clausa” (History of School Uniforms). Centuries later, the concept of uniforms were seen to be associated with people in the upper class, but over time had spread to private and conservative schools and some public schools. Despite the continuity of uniforms throughout educational institutions, students are being forced to promote conformity rather than individuality.
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Statistics have shown that from 1999-2000 to 2013-2014 showing a higher percentage of grade schools have entailed that students obey a uniform based dress code. (Fast Facts: School Uniforms). Similarly, the percentage of a uniform dress code in public schools
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Emotionally these uniforms take a toll on students as well. Girls are left feeling like a target because boys seem to not get dress coded as much. The rules that students are forced to follow are body shaming their bodies, girls the most. It is almost impossible to go shopping and find the perfect length for a skirt, or pants that aren't distracting, or shirts that aren't too revealing. Every girl is built differently with various proportions: small, medium, and large do not fit everyone the same.
Teachers are wasting their time correcting students on their clothing to make sure they are wearing the correct clothing. An un-tucked shirt or empty belt loops should not be seen as drastic problems. Students go to school to gain an education not to be pointed out on what they are wearing. Constantly we as students are told to dress for success, with zero self expression despite the fact that one day when we go out into the real world, there will never be one person