People say uniforms help children in more ways than one, but those people and facts are not completely correct. David Brunsma, (2005) a University of Missouri assistant professor who published the book The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us About American Education: A Symbolic Crusade, writes, “Perceptions aren’t reality. Perceptions sometimes are important interpretations of reality, but often they can mask deeper issues.” (P.1- 2) One of those issues people ignore because they think uniforms fix all problems is uniforms take away the comfort and individuality of the child. In many situations uniforms are uncomfortable for children to wear because of their body type. Julian Cavazos (2009) Writes, quoting uniform expert Matt Buesing, ¨One thing he …show more content…
´Due to embarrassments, some schools have backed away.´¨ (P.4) Other times, it is uncomfortable for children because they are forced to wear clothes that do not protect them from harsh weather conditions. Alice Clarke (2016) writes recalling her childhood, “The news of that petition coincidentally hit 1 year to the day since I got the call telling me not to come back to my second high school, officially because I wore the ‘boys’ winter uniform. I grew up in the mountains where it can get pretty cold, occasionally even snowing, and not one could tell me why the boys were allowed to wear woollen pants, while the girls were forced to wear skirts that hit above the knee with thin stockings.”(P.2) Uniforms also do not allow children to act their age due to the restrictions of the uniforms; such as, little girls not being able to play and jump around because they are expected to wear skirts as their uniform. Alice Clarke (2016) states, “Even in high school, the apparent desire to make students uncomfortable is strange. Why not let the run around and have a good time before the crippling pressures of adult responsibilities weigh them down?.
This article was published in Philosophical Studies in Education in 2015. In this article, Deane examines the implications of school uniforms from a socio-political perspective. She argues that school uniforms often suppress differences and create a sense of conformity in educational institutions (Deane, 2015). She further argues that these policies can harm students by creating a culture of homogeneity, suppressing diversity, and limiting opportunities for self-expression. Deane argues that, while there may be some benefits to having a uniform policy, these benefits are outweighed by the potential drawbacks.
The writers also include that students who are "subjected to a rigid dress code would seem to have their fundamental rights invaded, and would appear to be arbitrarily coerced for no good reason" (1). It is evident how students enjoy having the permission the choose what they would like to wear without having to fear they will be violating rules against their dress. Along with expression, there is individuality. People dress the way they like with their own unique style, but some trends are not always what is considered school appropriate. One may also feel confident in certain outfits, but if they are prevented from wearing something if their administration or are dress coded while wearing it, the result is negative.
The importance of following discipline throughout one's life is instilled in students at school, which plays a crucial part in helping children build their character. For the benefit of the pupils, schools implement a variety of disciplinary measures, one of which is the requirement that all students wear uniforms to school. Even though most schools do not enforce this rule, some believe that uniforms are crucial for developing a child's personality because they prevent kids from behaving in whatever they choose and teach them the value of following rules. The article "School Dress Codes and Uniform Policy," by Wendell Anderson, published in 2002, discusses the pros and cons of uniforms in school, focusing more on the necessity of uniforms.
Even though some thought that uniforms could stop bullying, they didn’t. Some might have said that they encouraged it. Students shouldn’t be forced to wear uniforms. It violates their rights. They are not allowed to wear anything to express themselves.
no uniforms, our right to freely express ourselves should be considered. Mathabane makes the argument that uniforms would not “infrine”, freedom of expression because we use uniforms with jobs such as being a flight attendant, bands, boy scouts, however with those things we use uniforms for its to show a sense of unity, and having uniforms in school might help students to be more unified, but overall it would make them more focused on how they aren’t able to express themselves through their clothing. Almost everyone expresses their individuality in the way they dress, so by making uniforms a permanent part of school life it takes away that part of individuality that many students in school need, and thrive
Emotionally these uniforms take a toll on students as well. Girls are left feeling like a target because boys seem to not get dress coded as much. The rules that students are forced to follow are body shaming their bodies, girls the most. It is almost impossible to go shopping and find the perfect length for a skirt, or pants that aren't distracting, or shirts that aren't too revealing. Every girl is built differently with various proportions: small, medium, and large do not fit everyone the same.
In conclusion, we at Tyndale Christian School believe in utilising a school uniform policy as it can help us meet the philosophies of our school in regards to the students. A uniform can help ensure that all students feel valued and equal as it eliminates peer pressure and bullying relating to a students clothing choice whilst simultaneously promoting a sense of equality, belonging, safety and community. Furthermore, a uniform can eliminate distractions resulting in a bigger focus on learning, and also teaches students’ life skills such as discipline and responsibility as they will receive consequences if the uniform policy isn’t met. It is through these policies and philosophies that we can hope to educate our students and encourage their
Many girls often compare themselves to others, thinking “why don’t I look like that?” and uniforms only make it worse. Robyn Silverman told NBC News’ Today that “students, especially girls, tend to compare how each other looks in their uniforms. As a body image expert, I hear from students all the time that they feel it allows for a lot of comparison” (“School Uniforms…”). The truth is uniforms do allow for lots of comparison. Oftentimes girls who have a more developed body will get dress coded or sent home because of a piece of clothing that another girl is wearing as well, but because their bodies are different only one is punished for the item of clothing being worn.
Envision waking up every morning to put on the same outfit and walk out the door, stress free. People would not have to worry about what fits, or what is fashionable at the time. Schools would not have to worry about inappropriate clothing but at the same time, that clothing may be a way for a student to express himself. Many schools view uniforms as a solution to several problems, but many schools view uniforms as a lack of self expression. School uniforms should continue, even though children may not get to express themselves, because they prohibit violence, provide cheaper lifestyles, and promote better education.
Why Students Shouldn’t Have to Wear School Uniforms Regan Narine couldn't have been more eager to get through his first day of 3rd grade at Athlos Leadership Academy- “I was excited to meet my teacher, get new friends but instead I was sent home.” He and his little brother Rayshawn were pulled from class in the morning for not wearing the school logo on their shirts. US schools with a minority student population of 50% or more are four times as likely to require uniforms than schools with a minority population of 20%-49% and 24 times more likely than schools with minority populations of 5%-19% (US Department). Although school uniforms are thought to help students fit in, actually it denies their first amendment of the US Constitution stating
School uniforms give students a sense of unity because they feel like they can fit in without fear of being too different. Making a dress uniform mandatory will decrease sexual harassment, create more interesting humans and make schools safer. A school uniform would make schools safer. The idea of wearing uniforms to schools was originally introduced to reduce violence in schools in 1996 by the Department of Education (Underwood, 1).
Many students that know uniforms will be beneficially, but don’t agree with school uniforms will continue to disagree with implementing them. It can be easily agreed that school uniforms may take away their self-expression in school, but what matters more in school is the way of learning. It can also be agreed that many students do not accept the self-expression of their classmates and make fun of them. Students, parents, and school administration should be able to recognize the benefits that school uniforms come with.
This shows uniforms can remove distractions from what students wear. School uniforms create a level playing field among students, reducing peer pressure and bullying. When all students are dressed alike, competition between students over clothing choices and the teasing of those who are dressed in less expensive or less fashionable outfits can be eliminated. Research by the Schoolwear Association found that 83% of teachers
In the article of Dr. Alan Hilfer from 2009, “Disadvantages of a School Uniform Policy” stated that “We need free thinking children of to become thinkers of tomorrow, not droned who will continue making the mistakes of previous generations”(Hilfer, 2009). Feelings on school uniforms seem to differ as much as the reasons for having them, hate it, or love it. Recent studies done in the University of Alabama states that: “Student Uniform use was not significantly correlated with any of the school commitment variables. In addition, students wearing uniforms did not appear to have any significantly different academic performance” (Brunsma & Rockquemore, 1998). The problem whether schools should still be continuously implemented is a highly debatable topic.
Uniform: Worth it or not? Imagine a group of students were wearing for clothes for an awareness, but the group of students got detention because of not wearing “appropriate clothes” to school. Over the past few years and even now, parents still having this question considered: “ Should public school required uniforms?” To begin, school uniforms should not be a requirement because it took away students’ freedom to express themselves. The first constitution stated that “ all individuals have the right to express themselves freely.”