Should Students Wear Uniforms?

 

1. Introduction
   1. Despite school uniforms potentially being a violation of a student’s right to freedom of expression, the definite increase in attendance, respect for peers, and reduced violence, as well as bullying, are encouraging and outweigh freedom of expression.
2. Body Paragraph Some students feel school uniforms violate their students’ rights to freedom of expression, the issue of what the student wears to school no longer an argument with mandatory uniforms in place which, too, continue to encourage discipline and improvement in attendance (Bodine, 2003). Getting an education is more important than showing off and distracting others with fad clothing.
3. Body Paragraph
   1. Claim: Angela Walmsley points out how schools in the United Kingdom enforce uniforms and how the uniforms influence students to be more respectful and treat each other like they are on the same crew. Educators also mention the fact that uniforms have helped students with identifying themselves as being a student and this allows those students to stay focused on their academic studies rather than the distraction of what another pupil is wearing.

1. Evidence: In Walmsley’s 2011 essay “What the United Kingdom can teach the United states about school uniforms: wearing school uniforms can create a more respectful atmosphere for learning and ease the burden on parents” Angela Walmsley explains “Teachers appreciate the fact that the presence of school uniforms brings a sense of duty to the students and respect for the school and teachers. U.K. teachers told me they believe school uniforms help students focus on school and not each other’s clothes. Because everyone looks basically the same, differences in economic status are not as blatant. Because students dress in uniforms, they’re reminded that their “job” is to be a student.” (p 64)
2. Evidence: Research revealed that students wearing mandatory uniforms issued by their school had shown marked improvement within the educational environment. Educators in the classroom found that uniforms played a huge role by encouraging discipline, enhancing self-esteem, and promoting unity in the educational process. Moreover, the wearing of uniforms created a climate more conducive to learning when students are not distracted by flashy clothes another classmate is wearing. It nurtures a healthy environment where the student-teacher can strengthen their relationship.

4. Body Paragraph
   1. Claim: Parents will agree that the presence of school uniforms is more cost-effective than regular clothes and saves them money in the long run.  One counterargument to school uniforms not being cost-effective is that there is no difference in regards to the cost. Some parents say wearing school uniforms can be just as expensive as civilian clothes and to some level, the consensus matches that it can be the same cost.

1. Evidence: Implementing uniforms in the U.S. public school system will be as it is now basically for selected schools, but to achieve better results all schools should consider nationwide. As has been noted, Walmsley points out the obvious, “If we want the true benefits of school uniforms to reach all children, we must create a culture where it is not only accepted but expected in all schools,” (2011, p. 65).
2. Evidence: So, with the implementation of school uniforms nationwide, parents should approve reasonably enough by other parents of the pocketbook savings not purchasing fashion clothes for school.

5. Body Paragraph
   1. Claim:

1. Evidence: Advocates of school uniforms repeatedly argue that having uniforms implemented can prevent unwanted targeting of students associated with gang activity from being targeted by mistake due to their clothes. between students all based on how each student dresses (Wilson, 1998).
2. Evidence: Stabbings, carrying weapons under clothing, threatening teachers and students, selling drugs on school grounds have become a major problem in many of our nation’s public schools (Wilson, 1998).

6. Body Paragraph
   1. Counterargument: People will say it limits the rights of freedom of expression. I believe that even though the student should wear uniforms there is still a way to make them creative and the students still can express their creativity and still express themselves by how they are dressed (describe a counterargument you will add into your argument)
   2. Rebuttal: Everyone has their own opinion based on the research that I have found; does it matter whether a student can express himself but, too, decide not to be part of the consequences based upon the school’s policy for proper dress code?
      1. Having a school uniform or a formal dress code policy in place makes it easier for parents because it eliminates wardrobe battles with kids (Bodine, 2003).
      2. Evidence: Uniforms may be expensive now for the parents but really, they are cheaper than having to purchase a weeks’ worth of outfits.
7. Conclusion
   1. Call to action: The idea of having school uniforms is a very good idea for students throughout schools in the country to stop violence, peer pressure and bullying in schools. In addition, with educators reporting that proper dress codes have significantly reduced the number of fights in schools.
   2. Concluding statement: School uniforms help benefit parents, students, teachers and schools in every aspect ranging from safety to stop the bullying and to increase academic achievement, however, based on research findings and personal views regarding uniforms, I agree they should be a mandatory dress code requirement for public schools. Even though the argument still exists that uniforms violate the students’ rights of expression, the positive outcome in schools outweighs a claim of violation. Uniforms are a key player in helping educators maintain a safe classroom environment that is free from bullying and violence so that students can perform their job, learn.

 

References

Bodine, Ann. School Uniforms. Academic Achievement, and Uses of Research. Journal of

             Educational Research, Nov/Dec2003, Vol 97 Issue 2, p 67-71. 5p. 2 Charts. Reading

             Level (Lexile): 1040., Database: MasterFILE Premier.

Walmsley, A. (2011). What the United Kingdom Can Teach the United States About School

                 Uniforms. Phi Delta Kappan, 92 (6), p 62-66.

Wilson, A. M. (1998). Public school dress codes: The constitutional debate. Brigham Young

                  University Education & Law Journal, (1), 147. Vol. 1, Issue 1, p 136-151