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The School Uniform Debate: Has It Been Settled?

The School Uniform Debate: Has It Been Settled?


 


For years, there has been a debate regarding school uniforms. Teachers, school administrators, parents, communities and even government officials have voiced opinions on the matter. People who support requiring school uniforms in schools cite behavior and equality, among other things, as reasons for their position. Opponents of the movement say that uniforms hinder freedom of expression and that they really do nothing to mitigate the problems they are supposed to help, bullying, for instance.


 


Uniforms Vs. Dress Code


 


School uniforms are not the same thing as a school dress code. A dress code is a set of rules that govern clothing while still allowing students to choose their own style and individual clothing items. Students can choose any item of clothing provided it doesn’t violate the rules of the dress code. Along with the right to choose, students also have the responsibility of adhering to acceptable standards. Usually a dress code dictates length of skirts for girls school uniforms or shorts, or if those are allowed, along with the kind of printed material is allowed on shirts or the style shirts that are allowed. Some add rules for the types of shoes to be worn.


 


A uniform is a standardized form of dress that all students wear. Typically, uniforms allow for very little personal choice. They are designed to promote equality among students by having them wear the same, or similar, styles and colors. Students are sometimes allowed to choose color, khaki or black pants, for instance, or they could be allowed to choose accessories such as a sweater or scarf. They might even be allowed to choose between a collared shirt and a turtleneck, or between pants and shorts or skirts. The point is that everyone on campus looks uniform, or similar.


 


Benefits of Uniforms


 


Uniforms are said to create equality among students. The thought is that when everyone is dressed similarly, students are not as likely to compare themselves with other students based upon appearance. The theorized lack of comparison is also thought to help with discipline issues. Jealousy stemming from social class differences is thought to be lessened. The uniformity that is created with this clothing option is also purported to increase student safety at school by making it easier for administrators to determine who belongs on campus and who doesn’t. School uniforms are also said to be less distracting for students in the classroom. When everyone is dressed alike, students are said to have one less reason to disregard the teacher’s instruction while in the classroom. There has been some evidence to indicate that schools requiring uniforms may have better performance among students than schools that allow students to choose their own form of dress.


 


Opposition to Uniforms


 


The most frequently cited opposition to school uniforms is that they virtually eliminate personal expression. People using this argument say that wearing a uniform all but eliminates free speech, arguing that students use their clothing to express personality as well as societal views. Uniforms can also be costly, and students who have families struggling financially may have difficulty purchasing the appropriate attire. Studies of the pros and cons of wearing uniforms seem to indicate that some of the purported benefits of the practice have been exaggerated.


 


There really is no definitive answer to the question of whether school uniforms are better for students or not. The debate has been raging for decades, and doesn’t seem to be ending. Proponents and opponents vehemently stand behind their opinions. Depending on the studies you read, the results may or may not be skewed toward one opinion or the other. The best course of action seems to be to make your own determination and follow your school’s policy.   


 


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2019-10-26 07:59:06, views: 1931, Comments: 0
   
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