What are facts about school uniforms?

School uniforms date as far back as the school system itself, and were common in Catholic countries (as they deemed clothes that we wear today are inappropriate).

Some think that school uniforms are a powerful symbol of oppression, and have no real benefit for the school. Some also think that they are very bad for students. A school uniform policy inhibits students' freedom of choice. Schools teach students that our country is a free one, but when school boards make students wear what they tell them to -- it goes against the students' freedom. We, the students, would like our freedom just as the adults would want their freedom. If this is a "free" country but with uniforms in public schools, is it really "free?"

Uniforms were sometimes used to convince students that they were part of a "herd". We should have free dress because clothing is how we express ourselves. School uniforms inhibit student's individuality and creativity. We often express our feelings through the clothing that they wear. Uniforms will take away this form of expression. The future needs free thinking children to become the thinkers of tomorrow, not drones who will continue making the mistakes of previous generations. We "need" free dress because it gives us creativity. Without creativity then there would be no Eiffel tower, no Gateway Arch, no Great Pyramids of Egypt, there would be no Leaning Tower of Pisa, there would be no Twin Towers, no White House and there would be no future flying cars, no moving sidewalks.

An issue of Uniform/Dress code is cost. Many of our parents shop for our clothes at used and discount stores. Uniforms can cost more money than our family might be able to afford. This has remained the main reason of cons of school uniform to become popular. We also would need to buy additional clothing to wear after school and on the weekends. That's double the amount of money we would spend than we would without the uniforms. However, uniforms do cost less than fashion clothing, and the more that is manufactured, the less expensive they will become. Plus uniforms may be donated to thrift stores or given to other students when they are no longer needed.

Statistics says, "School Uniforms do not cut down on bullying. No matter what you dress the students in, others will always find a way to pass judgment upon their peers. The clothes are not the root cause of bullying and therefore the bullying will continue, regardless of dress policy. No matter what clothing rules apply, others will always find ways to pass judgment upon each other. In fact, not having uniforms and having a minimal dress code will do more to stop bullying. That way, those who don't respect the rights of others enough to let them be different without harassing or bullying them will make themselves known so they can be disciplined. Exposing children to difference and punishing them if they misbehave around difference might do more to reduce bullying. Uniforms only mask the real problems.

Bill Clinton said, "If it means that teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms."

However, uniforms do not actually promote school safety, as schools in countries with a strong tradition of school uniforms are no better than American schools.

Statistics also say that there is no credible evidence that school uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic achievement. The principal argument is that some great students are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve learning.

Requiring uniforms will not end dress code violations in a school, as some proponents argue. Students will still find a way to wear a uniform inappropriately.