Should school uniforms be mandatory in high schools?

Essay by BenzarHigh School, 12th gradeA+, July 2006

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School uniforms should be mandatory in high schools. They provide more focused and togetherness throughout the school day for students. Children often feel less social pressure when everyone in the school dresses the same way. Students who can not be fashionable due to limited family finances are made to feel more comfortable among their peers. In addition, the gang violence and intruders entering the school will be reduced.

Wearing of school uniforms affects student's perception of school climate. Students feel as though they are part of a team, and connected to their school and that they fit in. Student respect for teachers, administrators, and especially for each other would be improved with the institution of a mandatory uniform dress code. The sense of togetherness that a uniform policy would instill in a school can not be overstated. This sense of togetherness can convey to the public that schools are well managed because the students are under control due to their dress.

There is more of a socio-economic balance among the students with the wearing of uniforms. Students who attempt to make fashion statements through the wearing of designer clothing are virtually neutralized. School spirit is enhanced because a feeling of togetherness is created. The gap between the haves and the have-nots is narrowed due to uniforms. They create social harmony due to the uniform look of similarly clothed students. Moreover, the students would spend more time concentrating on their school work, rather than on what their friends or they are wearing. There would be less ridicule of students due to their inability to dress in a style, acceptable to the in-crowd.

With the high cost of clothing today, school uniforms can lift a financial burden from students' families. The cost of designer clothing, and footwear, is expensive. School uniforms...