Public and Private School Uniforms

Currently in America an on going debate continues regarding a uniform

policy suggested to public and private schools. This develops into a

controversial issue because valid argument exist on both sides. Giving this

issue much thought has lead me to believe that making school uniforms mandatory

would help the school systems. School uniforms would help unruly classrooms,

also students would not have to buy expensive clothes and students would not get

killed over tennis shoes.

Schools that have adopted uniforms have reported several advantages.

Some school systems including ones in Miami, Detroit, and Los Angeles have

adopted a voluntary uniform policy. Under this plan schools do not require

students to wear their uniform, but most students cooperate. In the fall of

1994, the Long Beach Unified School District became the first in the nation to

require uniforms, hoping to improve the overall conduct and scholastic records

of their students. This school system feels that dressing students the same

would eliminate the pressure of fitting in, build up students self-esteem, and

augment student moral. Parents, teachers, and students agree that wearing

uniforms would decrease arguments that begin over expensive clothing and

sneakers. School systems hope uniforms will help to eliminate gang violence

caused by students wearing rival gang colors. Uniforms would also prevent the

wealthier students from picking on their less fortunate classmates because they

can not afford to dress the same. Although no evidence confirms that the

uniform policy will improve academic achievement, the Long Beach Unified School

District reported a 50% decline in the number of disturbances at school and bus

stops in their district. Overall, the Long Beach Unified School District has

set an example for other schools planning to adopt the uniform policy by showing

noticeable improvements in specific areas of its educational environment.

Opponents of the uniform policy say it comes with disadvantages. Not

all students want to fit in. Instead, they value their freedom and

individuality. Students feel that making school uniforms mandatory takes away

their right to self-expression. Opponents feel that uniforms are just a new

gimmick that will have little effect on education. Also, school uniforms would

prove costly for the students.

On the other hand some people argue that uniforms are cheaper than

buying children street clothing. However, opponents still feel that uniforms

should not become a requirement. Most of the schools adopting uniforms are

choosing so many other reforms that they will have difficulty proving that

uniforms deserve praise. Skepticism, economics, and students reluctance to wear

uniforms will continue to further decrease the popularity of uniforms in our