The use of School uniforms in America. A continuing debate

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.

Hazelwick School uniform

Hazelwick School uniform

Wilson Classical High School

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...