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School Uniforms
An Argument For Uniformity

Some students in both private and public schools are required to wear school uniforms. A "
uniform" is a manditory outfit that must be worn by all students. The debate against uniforms is largely based on students desire to exercise their perseved right to express their individuality. In addition, others feel that uniforms are an invasion of their freedom rights. Although there are some good reasons to not have uniforms in a school setting, the reasons for uniforms are very complelling. Studies have shown that wearing uniforms increases school safety, improve learning, reduce peer pressure and save money and time.
In 1994, the Long Beach, California, school system began requiring that students wear uniforms. The system recorded a drop in suspensions, assaults, thefts, vandalism, and weapon and drug violations and an increase in attendance. In 2001, a court case allowed federal funds to be used for the schools to start a uniform policy. The court case also sited that uniforms reduce violence in schools. One of the popular styles today is the "gangsta" style which features low pants and baggy shirts. This style is associated with inner-city gangs that use baggy shirts to conceal weapons. A uniform would descourage bringing hidden weapons into schools in addition to any association with gang violence.
Requiring uniforms prohibits the wearing of clothing that could be disruptive. Popular styles, such as bare midriffs, long black coats and black clothing in general are very distracting. The Northrup study of 2002 supports this by saying that "...(unacceptable clothing are) unwelcome and unnecessary distractions that can convert too much student attention from the serious intellectual work...". Uniforms remind students that they are in school to learn, not to make a fashion statement.
There is a lot of peer pressure to dress like the "in...