Fieeiki

Christa Fieeiki
Kristin Morley
Writing 0990
November 30, 2014
School Uniforms
As of 2008, 22 US states specifically authorized schools to institute dress codes or
uniform policies (Markoff 4). School uniforms should be enforced in every school throughout
the nation. A school uniform is an outfita set of standardized clothesworn primarily for an
educational institution (School Uniforms 1). There are many important and reasons and facts as
to why schools should encourage school uniforms. School uniforms are proven to be cheaper
than a childs street clothing. There is also a sense of equality when all students are wearing
the same uniform. School uniforms also help students to use their time and money wisely,
developing their talents. Most importantly it prevents crime and violence where students are
supposed to feel safe (Rochefor 2)
Most of the opposing arguments against school uniforms state that school uniforms can
be a financial burden for parents who cannot afford to buy school uniforms. Through research, it
has been proven that buying street outfits compared to buying school outfits is being more costly.
For parents, they might not be financially able to dress their children based on their specific
style. Parents supply their children with the funds necessary to buy a new wardrobe right before
it is time to go back to school. However, parents will continue to purchase outfits for their
children the entire school year. School uniforms per school year cost about $300 dollars (Mage

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2). Regular clothes per school year cost $600 dollars. Money spent on the additional outfits can
be better spent or saved towards the childs future (Tucker 7).
Throughout the years, students become more and more concerned about their image. Its
all about the price tag, and how much you are willing to spend on an article of clothing. It has
become all about name brand and it basically determines the students popularity. There is so
much pressure into following the trends of todays society. Students are concerned about fitting
in, so they get part-time jobs to help pay for their luxury clothing items. Most students dont
even get jobs to save up for college or their future anymore; they just save up for the next item
thats in style that month. The need to fit in and conform has increased dramatically. If schools
turn to uniforms, it will put the students looks at the same level. There will be less of a focus on
the current trends, and more on school work. Students will focus more on their general
personality and achievements, rather than the clothes on their backs. It also makes sure those
students who cannot afford expensive name brands, less likely to be bullied or secluded (School
Uniforms Can 2).
Many people against having to wear school uniforms may say clothes are something that
is used to describe who someone is and it shows their personality (School Uniforms Statistic 2).
Telling someone to where a uniform to school is like telling them to change who they are and be
what other people want. They don't show who you are and don't describe what you are like.
Letting students show their individuality can cause groups and cliques, causing other
students to feel left out. There are plenty of ways for people to express themselves creatively,
without doing it in their manner of dress. School uniforms do not keep students from expressing
themselves creatively. Students may learn to write, play music, draw, dance, and any other forms

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of talent. School uniforms keep kids from ranking each other according to what they wear, and
keeps them in the mindset to learn when they are at school. Expressing yourself without the need
for showy clothing is an amazing talent (School Uniforms Can 4).
As schools change to having uniforms, there will be a noticeable shift in the students. It
gives a chance for everyone to look the same and to strive to be better. The use of school
uniforms can prevent crimes and violence. With school uniforms, all students will equally look
the same; any type of gang related clothing can be eliminated. This can also help prevent any
form of bullying within schools. Because all the students will wear the same uniform, there will
not be any discrimination of appearance for those who cannot afford the newest trendy style.
The school environment has undergone several changes since the massacre of the Columbine
High School shooting. Many schools have chosen to switch to mandatory school uniforms in
order to reduce violence and wearing of gang colors. With uniforms school officials can easily
recognize intruders in the school. The Columbine High School shooting greatly impacted the
awareness of caution within schools, that the freedom to dress and express can be a danger for all
student (School Uniforms Can 5). School uniforms can help keep students safe while they are at
school.
In conclusion, school uniforms should be mandatory to every school through the nation.
Many strong points and facts prove that school uniforms are cheaper for parents who are
financially struggling. Also a benefit for children to all fell equal and help them develop their
talents without the distraction of street clothes. More importantly, school uniforms help create a
safe haven for students while they are at school, preventing crimes and violence. School districts
need to realize the importance of school uniforms and enforce it upon every school.

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Work Cited
"School Uniform Statistics." Statistic Brain RSS. 11 July 2014. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.statisticbrain.com/school-uniform-statistics/>.
"School Uniforms - ProCon.org." ProConorg Headlines. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
<http://school-uniforms.procon.org/>.
"School Uniform." Def. 1a. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc., Web 30 Nov. 2014.

Tucker, Kaylen. "National Association of Elementary School Principals: Serving All Elementary
and Middle-level Principals." NAESP. 1 Jan. 2013. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.naesp.org/national-survey-school-leaders-reveals-2013-school-uniformtrends>.