We have worked with schools across the United States, and
believe us, you are not the only person asking this question!
The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied
as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is
complicated, so we’ve included highlights from both sides for
you to consider:
Professional:
Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take
school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or
she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work.
Schools report that when students dress in “work clothes” rather
than “play clothes” they take a more serious approach to their
studies.
Promotes Good Discipline:
Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline,
decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is
that children today are lacking in self-discipline because
parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult
on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at
a time.
Reduces Fighting and Violence:
Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and
violence that arrise out of arguments over fashionable clothes.
Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes.
Those who can’t afford name brand clothes are often sensitive
about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems
report that school uniforms help ease tensions.
Distractions:
Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look
nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children
will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding
distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly
revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending
fashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spend
more time focused on thier clothes than on homework.
Values:
School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression
are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion
fad.
Low Cost:
School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less
expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school
uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer
clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability.
They say school uniforms last longer because they are made for
repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by
starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can
get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as
hand-me-downs between siblings.
School Spirit:
Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. It
instills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, “Be
true to your school.” Schools report an increase in school pride.
Individuality:
Supressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection to
school uniforms. Educators argue that an academic program
encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much more
important than what they wear. They inhibit creativity and
self-expression, forcing students to conform.
Causes Discipline Problems:
Some students reject any rules. Forcing them to wear school
uniforms only aggravates their rebelious spirit. They alter
their school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, or
lengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task of
policing the students on a daily basis.
Little or No Relationship to Academics:
Opponents insist that their is no credible evidence that school
uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic
acheivement. The principal argument is that some great students
are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve
learning.
