Intro The discussion over school uniforms has been a heated debate amongst administrators and students for decades. While common in private schools, uniforms are beginning to show up in public schools across the nation. Most students resist, which is why it is important to highlight the positives of enforcing a school uniform policy. While it can sometimes be viewed as a violation of student rights, school uniforms can create a positive learning environment, decrease school violence, increase school pride, and promote student confidence and self-esteem.
Learning environment Providing a positive learning environment is one of the key components necessary in reaching the educational goals of any school. Social pressures, especially those dealing with what kids are wearing, can commonly interrupt this learning environment. School administrators often with parent and student support, argue that students have grown so fashion conscious that they are distracted from their studies with thoughts about clothing (Gullatt). These administrators further state that popular clothing has become so expensive that families are becoming economically squeezed by peer pressure to dress as others do (Gullatt). Research indicates that that children and adolescents are well aware of brand labels in clothing, furthering the pressures for students to wear higher end articles of clothing (lapoint). Advocates believe that uniforms increase student learning and positive attitudes toward school through an enhanced learning environment (Brunsma and Rockquemore). Every child is entitled to a positive learning environment in order to grow into a successful student.
Decrease Violence Issues created by bullying, violence, and gang involvement can often derail a positive learning environment. Some students feel unsafe in schools and may stay home or skip classes because of intimidation or fear of bodily harm (workman). Many health professionals have labeled violence among today’s young people, especially at school, as a potential threat to the overall health and academic success of children (Gullatt). Approximately one in four students reports worrying about becoming a victim of crime or threats at school, and one in eight reports having been victimized at school (Gullatt). The fashion trend at school, especially urban schools, is largely dominated by children wearing gang related or gang like clothing (Gullatt). Since this gang related clothing is usually color-coded, children wearing certain types of clothing may make them unknowing targets for violence (Gullatt). Some of the arguments for school include such claims as school uniforms promote student safety by making it easier to identify people who do not belong on school grounds (West). According to the Manual on School Uniforms (U.S. Department of Education, 1996), 1