The Oppression Of School Uniforms

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As it stands, school uniforms are not universally utilized, they are commonly employed in communities with high rates of poverty. “In fact, 47% of high-poverty public schools reported requiring school uniforms, compared to 6% of low poverty, public schools” (U.S. Department of Education, 2014). Given that there appears to be no straightforward correlation between school uniform requirements and students’ academic success, academic success cannot be used as an argument for uniforms. Although courts have ruled that uniforms are not a violation of students’ free speech rights, school uniforms as they are implemented today, are unethical. Moreover, since many high poverty areas as populated by people of color, it can be named that school uniforms …show more content…

There are clear systems, procedures, and strict consequences in place to regulate uniform policies. “...oppression designates the disadvantaged and injustice some people suffer not because a tyrannical power coerces them, but because of the everyday practices of a well-intentioned liberal society” (Young, 1990). One of the devastating issues with uniforms is that there is a fundamental belief that uniforms are protecting children of color when uniforms are a financial burden. Uniforms are incredibly expensive and there is a hierarchy of who can afford the uniforms that are more expensive as opposed to the uniforms that are cheaper or off brand. The precise instances uniform supporters claim to eliminate are happening while students are wearing uniforms. Furthermore, it can be argued that it is easier to identify when these circumstances take place if all students are expected to appear the same. It is significantly easier to be able to tell if a uniform is dirty, or a cheaper brand through the lens of sameness. In short, socioeconomic status is not a noteworthy reason to limit children of color from choosing what they wear to school. Due to this, it has to be alleged that uniforms are used as a form of social control and a push to sort children of color into a specific place in …show more content…

It can be argued that since there is no concrete basis for uniform use on students of color, it is an effort to condition them into a specific place in society. Students who wear uniforms on a daily basis are being prepared for an occupation that also wears a uniform. Historically, blue collar workers have worn uniforms and uniforms can be perceived as a means to sort the least advantaged in society. “We assess our prospects in life according to our place in society and we form our ends and purposes in the light of the means and opportunities we can realistically expect. So whether we are hopeful and optimistic about our future, or resigned and apathetic, the public principles of justice that society, not merely professes but more or less effectively uses to regulate the institutes of background justice. Hence the basic structure as a social and economic regime is not only an arrangement that arouses further desires and aspirations in the future. This does by the expectations and ambitions, it encourages in the present, and indeed over a complete life.” (Rawls,2001). All children ought to be subject to a societal structure that allows for them dress in the manner that aligns with the profession they are aspiring to obtain. If some children are afforded the opportunity to have free dress it means

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