School Uniforms: Beneficial or Right Infringing?

Abstract

When most people think of school uniforms, they think of stuck up private or preparatory schools with a strict and limiting dress code. They think of pressed pants, collared shirts, perfect ties, plaid skirts, clean-cut jumpers, and uncomfortable shoes. Many people are also offended by the rights school uniforms supposedly infringe upon. However, in the modern world, there are many types of school uniforms. There are options that are available now that were not accessible before, and it has become evident that uniforms do not infringe on an individual's rights. School uniforms have even proved to be helpful in numerous situations. The question stands then, should public schools require a school uniform? A well thought out answer and analysis has led to the conclusion that yes, school uniforms constitute an excellent idea. School uniforms should be required in public schools because they create a standard environment within the school, help students to look past the material possessions of others, and can help save money.

The argument is often stated that uniforms would take away a child's individuality. This argument has not held true. School uniforms help students to be on a standard footing in economic and social classes. A set environment that connects all the students together is formed and maintained by use of school uniforms. A child does not need clothes to express themselves as an individual. Children need to learn to express themselves by how they carry themselves, how they act, and what they believe in and say.

The way someone dresses does not show who he or she truly is as an individual. Anyone who believes that they need clothes to successfully express who they are to others does not possess a fully matured philosophy. Some people may choose to dress a certain way because they feel it shows who they are, and that is fine. However, school is not the place for students to try and convey themselves by what they wear because that is not the focus of school. The purpose of going to school is to learn and to get an education that will prepare a future for accomplished students. Children do not need to waste their time trying to prove to others who they are or who they think they are by their outfits. Some of the cliques and groups that develop in schools would vanish because they only associate themselves with others who dress similarly. This, in turn, would cut down on the harassment and bullying that goes on because of clothes. Not everyone can afford, or wants to own, the expensive designer brands, and those who choose not to wear them or cannot afford them should not be tormented. With school uniforms in place, the social and economical classes would have one less thing to be separated by (McIntire).