School Uniforms. Yes or No?

Question

I always wondered why American schools don't have a uniform policy. Compared to European countries as well as those in Asia and Australia. Personally, I think school uniforms are a good idea, even though most students hate them. Because in a way, it makes everyone at the school "equal", so those with less money, and therefore less "stylish" clothes won't feel left out as a result. But why don't American schools have this policy?

I am aware that some of you feel kids should be able to 'express their individuality' so should be allowed to wear what they want, but in reality, kids are only in school for a certain amount of hours a day. When they get home, they can wear whatever they like for the rest of the day, as well as on the weekends.

Answer 1

children don't need to express themselves. Bring on the uniforms.

Answer 2

That is a great idea. Here in Dallas, Texas the schools do have uniforms. There are some schools who does not have uniforms yet, but they will be by next year.The uniforms here give the students the "individual style" that the students crave. You have a choose between: shorts, pants, skirts or Capri pants (when have to be a certain length of course). They can wear any color polo shirt and that's it. When I was in school (3 years ago), we did not have uniforms and it was crazy. You have people with a lot of money wearing very expensive clothes and other people, who can't afford it, always seem sad around the people with money. They use to be made fun of all the time cause they could not get what everyone else had. Now looking at my little brother and cousins go to school, everyone is very equal. You don't see separation between rich and poor kids any more. I love that.

Answer 3

I have often thought about this myself. I am kind of torn between my answers though. See my high school didnt have a "uniform" but we had a strict dress code policy. We were only allowed to wear certain types of clothing. I think uniforms are a good way to make everyone equal because this day in age kids are beating each other up over a pair of shoes! Not everyone can afford the same brand names, so in this sense yes uniforms would be a good idea. But on the other hand uniforms do not allow kids to express themselves, which I think is very important. How a person dresses is part of their character. I think having a strict dress code is a good way to meet in the middle of uniforms and wearing whatever. In my high school we had to wear khaki or black pants, and our shirts had to be collared or button down. I asked a principal of a school one time why public schools didnt have uniforms, and his answer was, because we are public its more difficult to demand a uniform. Maybe in the future this will change. But I think a strict dress code would be more effective then a uniform.

Answer 4

Well, a lot of American schools HAVE been changing their policies for children to wear school uniforms. I know there are a couple that just made the news recently in the New York City-Long Island area, I am totally for it. I'd rather spend $150 on a couple uniforms that will last the year. Not to mention that fact that kids can now focus on the task at hand, school work and not whether my sneakers cost more then yours.

Answer 5

I'm against the whole idea ! Uniforms take away your chance to express yourself . Everybody says school uniforms do away with the competition for the best clothes . When I was in school, I didn't care what I wore . I put on my shirt and a pair of trousers, and I was all ready . Students should decide they just don't care what other people say . If somebody starts in with the "I have better taste than you" or "I have more money than you", tell that person to go to Hell . I always made it a rule to stay away from situations where I'd have to wear a uniform .

Answer 6

I agree with you whole heartedly concerning the fact that the school uniform does act as an equalizer of all students. I am sure that all of us know of young people who avoid school because they can not dress "stylish". I really wish that school uniforms could become a national policy.

Answer 7

No. Kids should have pretty much the same rights as anyone else. I do, however think common sense dress codes are fine. A school should be treated like a workplace. I can't go to work wearing clothes that are unsafe or disruptive.

Answer 8

Yes there should be uniforms. I wore a uniform everyday from 1st grade - Senior year. It really helped to elevate fashion "drama". especially in high school I went to an all girls' Catholic school so there were a lot of rich kids there and it really helped so no one was different and the rich snotty kids weren't able to parade around their money.

Answer 9

I'm Australian so I'm not sure why most public schools in he US have a less strict dress code. I know, however that in private schools they were uniforms. (I saw it on Gilmore girls lol)

I agree with uniforms as well, Only if they are nice uniform tho, as no one wants to be stuck in some horrible spotted orange and purple concoction! Although I do think students should be allowed freedom in accessory's as it allows for them to express their individuality.

anyway just my 2cents!
Cheers!

Answer 10

Uniforms are good because then class doenst become a fashion show. Kids can focus on schools and not impressing one another with the latest fad.

Answer 11

I couldn't agree with you more. Some of the schools here do have the uniform policy, just not all.