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Reasons for school uniform policy
Reasons for school uniform policy
School uniform policy debate
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More handpicked essays just for you.
Reasons for school uniform policy
Reasons for school uniform policy
School uniform policy debate
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
While the school administration argues that the dress code brings school unity, they are wrong because it takes away a sense of individuality from each student (Logos, concede). In today’s society, people use fashion and their daily outfits as a key way to express themselves. Students are constantly told throughout their school careers that they should demonstrates what makes them “different”, yet uniforms deny that sense of self-expression. According to Grace Chen of the Public School Review, uniforms may result in students turning to “other avenues of self-expression that may be viewed as even more inappropriate than clothing” (Ethos, professional credibility). This includes a nontraditional hairstyle, make up, or acting out towards authority at school or at home.
Dress codes are implemented in many schools across the world. Whether it is a uniform, or rather a strict policy on what students may or may not wear, they are a part of it. The fact of the matter is, these dress codes should be forgotten to become nothing but a memory, and the students should wear whatever they please. There are pros to having dress codes, but the cons outweigh them by a longshot, such as that dress codes reinforce racist standards of beauty and dress, they are directed at women, and bolster religious and cultural intolerance. Dress codes promote racist standards of dress and beauty.
The dress code policy for every school is different. From personal experience, I feel that females are more targeted at my school over boys. I have friends at different schools who can wear almost whatever they want and not be in violation of a school’s dress code. For example, one day a friend of mine, who attends Southern Boone High School, wore volleyball spandex and a very slim spaghetti strap tank top. If dress codes are going to be implemented, they need to be in affect fairly.
Those against school uniforms make the argument that the introduction of uniforms cause many students to rebel, making a more difficult learning environment. Almost all schools have dress code policies. An argument that follows naturally would be that students will rebel against any rules set in place. In contrast, uniforms actually create a calmer, more businesslike environ-ment. As teacher Ms. Barry said, "The kids wearing uniforms are less cocky towards adults."
In 2007, “87.9% of the students were opposed to uniforms at MD public school” (Wharton). There is a debate between parents, students and teachers about school uniforms being enforced in public schools since the 2000’s. Many people say that school uniforms shouldn’t be worn in public schools, while others disagree. Despite the debate, there shouldn't be a need to wear school uniforms. School Uniforms should not be worn because they violate a humans right of freedom of expression.
Students should not have to wear school because it limits individuality, freedom of expression, and is too expensive. Students should not be forced to wear school uniforms because they take away from their individuality. Wearing school uniforms does not allow students to show individuality. In the article “Students Shouldn’t Have To Wear School Uniform” it states wearing uniforms really doesn’t show who you are.
The cost of one uniform for a standard private school is $249. The cost is extremely expensive and the average amount of children in a family is 2. So that $249 doubles if you choose to have both your children attend a private school. Uniforms are expensive, they take out the personality of students, and some students think uniforms are overrated and not needed. A lot of schools make students wear uniforms when they believe they should wear whatever they want.
Some Proponents say that uniforms should be at every school because they stop bullying, but they don’t. A lot Opponents say uniforms should not be at any school because they do not stop bullying because bullies bully for a lot of things and because they cost a lot of money. Proponents and Opponents have their up and downs about uniforms, but uniforms should still be banned from all schools. Uniforms should be banned from all schools because they don’t stop bulling! Bullies don’t really bully for how people look they bully for a lot of other things.
Envision waking up every morning to put on the same outfit and walk out the door, stress free. People would not have to worry about what fits, or what is fashionable at the time. Schools would not have to worry about inappropriate clothing but at the same time, that clothing may be a way for a student to express himself. Many schools view uniforms as a solution to several problems, but many schools view uniforms as a lack of self expression. School uniforms should continue, even though children may not get to express themselves, because they prohibit violence, provide cheaper lifestyles, and promote better education.
In the essay, “Schoolwear Association Research Reveals Uniforms Can Be a Powerful Tool,” the printwear and promotion point to a study done by the Schoolwear Association disagrees and points out that having school uniforms will lower bullying caused by where they are from and economic class. They that,”83% of teachers thought "a good school uniform... could prevent bullying based on appearance or economic background. "(Schoolwear Association ). What this means is having school uniforms can lower bullying. While there is some truth to this argument, it is wrong because only teachers think of this and not parents who are the ones who have to pay for uniforms.
Many students that know uniforms will be beneficially, but don’t agree with school uniforms will continue to disagree with implementing them. It can be easily agreed that school uniforms may take away their self-expression in school, but what matters more in school is the way of learning. It can also be agreed that many students do not accept the self-expression of their classmates and make fun of them. Students, parents, and school administration should be able to recognize the benefits that school uniforms come with.
This shows uniforms can remove distractions from what students wear. School uniforms create a level playing field among students, reducing peer pressure and bullying. When all students are dressed alike, competition between students over clothing choices and the teasing of those who are dressed in less expensive or less fashionable outfits can be eliminated. Research by the Schoolwear Association found that 83% of teachers
In the article of Dr. Alan Hilfer from 2009, “Disadvantages of a School Uniform Policy” stated that “We need free thinking children of to become thinkers of tomorrow, not droned who will continue making the mistakes of previous generations”(Hilfer, 2009). Feelings on school uniforms seem to differ as much as the reasons for having them, hate it, or love it. Recent studies done in the University of Alabama states that: “Student Uniform use was not significantly correlated with any of the school commitment variables. In addition, students wearing uniforms did not appear to have any significantly different academic performance” (Brunsma & Rockquemore, 1998). The problem whether schools should still be continuously implemented is a highly debatable topic.
While some might claim that seeing people who dress differently are distracting, some actually claim and praise the “nonconformists” for being true to themselves. Which brings us to the next issue that uniforms restrict the students from expressing themselves and individuality, wearing school uniforms restrict the students from showing physically their personalities- no more dressing up according to whatever their mood is for that day; and while conformity isn’t really a bad thing on most cases, school uniforms promote and value conformity over individuality. Also, some argue that promoting school uniforms would be a lot like suppressing individual thought and ignoring how diverse and different the students are and how different they think. Next, researchers claim that even though the students are dressing the same way, uniforms do not really conceal their socioeconomic standing, it gives only the illusion of equality that only lasts a couple of months as by the time goes it will be pretty evident to everyone who is up on the social ladder. Lastly, we now live in a time where everyone seems to value humanism.
According to Steffen, “It is estimated that almost 25 percent of the nation’s public schools are expected to have a dress code this year” (Steffen, 2007). I do not believe that schools have a right to implement school uniforms, however, I agree with limited dress codes within schools. The opposing thoughts on my position believe that school uniforms and dress codes are very necessary. Many believe uniform policy improved overall academic performance and many other areas.