School uniforms have long been used in private schools and were associated with the more wealthy and elite students in our country. But recently many schools have been turning to school uniforms in hopes to solve many problems faced within schools. Having a standardized dress code for all students is believed to equalize social status and improve safety and academics. Many of the educators where a uniform policy has been initiated feel these objectives have been met. “The uniformity of colors have shown a vast difference in student behavior overall,” said Robin Payne, Hammond’s director of secondary education and student services. “One student told me that it’s kind of hard to act like a thug when you’re dressed like that.”
But what do parents think about school uniforms? In a recent article written by Carolyn Thompson of the Northwest Indiana Times many parents stated that they are pleased with the district’s uniform policy. Judy Robak likes school uniforms because it eliminates her children from having to decide what to wear to school. “Before uniforms, there was a lot of disagreements in the mornings,” Judy said. “Now, [my girls] just get dressed with no arguing.”
Another benefit to school uniforms is that students don’t feel like they are being judged by what they wear since all students are dressed the same. I remember by sister having to have a pair of Girbaud jeans in junior high, even though my parents really couldn’t afford them. Her reason, everyone was wearing them, and she didn’t want to be unpopular. With uniforms parents and students feel that students are seen for who they are and not by what they do or don’t wear.
Other parents approve of dress codes because they eliminate phone calls from the school informing them that their child is dressed inappropriately. Students can also wear the same clothes year to year, if they don’t grow too much, or easily hand them down to a younger offspring without worrying about the clothing being out of style.
Some parents felt that school uniforms limit students’ choices and violate their freedom of expression. Others were concerned about how school uniforms would affect the wearing of religious clothing. Although most schools have an opt-out policy, where students can choose to not wear the standard uniform. Still other parents are concerned about the cost associated with implementing a school uniform policy. But many parents have found that the cost of school uniforms is substantially less than buying designer jeans and shoes. A manager at a uniform supply store stated that parents could spend as little as $100 to $200 purchasing their child’s school uniforms.
As a parent would you support school uniforms? Or not?