Mandatory Uniforms In Public Schools

Several years ago in the United States of America, uniforms were symbolic for a higher socioeconomic status in the private sector of education. Today many public school systems across America have eliminated a dress code and are implementing uniform policies. One in five elementary schools in the United States now requires uniforms, according to The National Center for Education Statistics (“Should Schools Require Uniforms?” 7). On the contrary there has been numerous debates over whether uniforms limits students’ freedom of expression or improves the quality of education students receive. Allowing students to express themselves and individuality is important, however, school should be designed more so as a learning work environment. Mandatory uniforms will help provide a safer environment for students, increase attendance rates and therefore improve overall academic performance. It is imperative that schools across America provide a learning environment for students that is as safe as possible. Mandatory uniforms will help provide a safer environment by decreasing student victimization, such as bullying. Bullying threatens the emotional and physical safety of students. Although dress codes are enforced, students are at …show more content…
Students are more susceptible to being labeled for what they choose to wear. Uniforms give students a sense of pride and security promoting a positive learning environment, and less likely to be absent for any reason other than illness. According to David Brunsma, author of The School Uniform Movement, reported that in a 2009 study conducted by Michigan State University, the research suggested that uniforms for middle and high school age students led to “modest improvements” in test scores and attendance, specifically that of female students (qtd. in A.Burtka