Every school is in essence a learning environment. That which aids learning is acceptable, and that which hinders it should be unacceptable. Add to this the fears of school violence and student safety and you can see why many school boards are calling for uniforms. This issue brings up numerous questions:
- What is a school uniform?
- What are the potential benefits of having school uniforms?
- What are the potential problems with having school uniforms?
- How can you get parents and students to buy-in to the idea of school uniforms?
- What does the Supreme Court have to say on this issue?
- Are school uniforms truly effective?
School Uniforms Defined
School uniforms range from the formal to the informal. Some schools that have implemented school uniforms have chosen what one usually thinks of in connection to Catholic schools: nice pants and white shirts for boys, jumpers and white shirts for girls. However, most public schools are turning to something more casual and more acceptable to parents and students: khakis or jeans and knit shirts of varying colors. The latter appear to be more affordable too because they can be used outside of school. Many school districts that have implemented school uniforms have provided some sort of financial assistance for families that can not afford the extra expense.
Potential Benefits of School Uniforms
- Preventing gang colors, etc. in schools
- Decreasing violence and theft because of clothing and shoes
- Instilling discipline among students
- Reducing need for administrators and teachers to be 'clothes police' (for example, determining whether shorts are too short, etc.)
- Reducing distractions for students
- Instilling a sense of community
- Helping schools recognize those who do not belong on campus
Potential problems of School Uniforms
- Students and parents argue that uniforms violate their freedom of expression (see below for more about what the Supreme Court has to say on this)
- Parents raise concerns about the cost
- Families fear it might interfere with religious clothing like yarmulkes
Parent and Student Support for Uniforms
- Make uniforms more casual - jeans and a knit shirt
- Allow students an outlet for their own expression: buttons to support political candidates, but not gang related paraphernalia
- Provide financial assistance to those parents who can not afford the uniforms
- Accommodate students religious beliefs. This is required by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
- Make your program voluntary if community pressure is too large
- Institute an 'opt-out' provision. Not including this would probably cause a court to rule against your program unless there is proof that lesser measures are ineffective.
- Make uniforms an integral part of the school safety program.
