Uniforms Around the Nation
A Controvertial Issue
Introduction
The conformity that uniforms represent goes against individual rights that are intrenched in the United States society since the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. The debate over uniforms in public schools began by Long Beach Unified School District in 1994 when they implemented a mandatory uniform policy. In fact, in 1998, 25 percent of public schools in the United States had or were considering a mandatory uniform policy (Cruz 8). Former President Bill Clinton said in his 1996 Union speech, "If it means teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms," (Wilde). Furthermore, he gave the nod of approval to get the uniform ball rolling in many school districts across the country (Bowen). It is unfortunate that the presidential push for mandatory uniforms has diminished since President Clinton. In this day and age, it is hard to understand why we have not adopted mandatory uniform policies across the nation. Uniforms benefit public schools because they provide a focused learning environment and a safer place to learn.
Concession 1
Developing your individuality during school is an expectation in the United States ("Four Reasons Public Schools Should Think Twice Before Instituting School Uniform Policies").
Concession 2
Uniforms would conceal a gang's identity, making it more difficult to prevent gang-related conflicts (Cruz 44).
Rebuttal
Clothes are only one part of expressing yourself to other people. Students can be expressive through other scenarios and ideas. Uniforms promote the idea that everyone is the same while at school. Uniforms are preventing students from knowing and showing which students are from which gangs. This makes it easier to prevent conflicts from happening while on school campuses.
First Rebuttal Paragraph
Having uniforms is a crucial factor for having a focused environment. Many factors are put into having a more focused environment, such as less distractions. When girls wear yoga pants with shirts that do not cover their bottoms, it is simply a distraction for boys. Students need to be concentrating on their school work (Wilkins). Uniforms are intentionally modest to promote a more orderly classroom. Costs of clothes may not seem like a factor of a focused environment, unless you cannot afford the same clothes as your peers. If a boy wants a certain pair of shoes or a girl wants a certain pair of jeans, there are some parents who are able to buy it for them. Some families do not have the money to buy their kids things that will make them feel like they fit in. Uniforms solve that problem because they cost less and students do not have to worry about what they wear to school. Instead of buying ten outfits, parents only have to buy three sets of uniforms (Cruz 23). Having a focused environment helps students focus on the more important things for their future.
Second Rebuttal Paragraph
Making public schools a safer place to learn can be enforced by mandatory uniforms. Gangs clutter the hallways of many schools nationwide. Uniforms are able to mask that clutter and prevent more gangs from forming (Wilde). This also helps teachers and administrators know who belongs and does not belong on school campuses ("Should Students Have To Wear School Uniforms"). Uniforms can prevent theft by students. When students go to change their clothes for gym class, their designer clothes can easily be stolen. Students also wear sport's jerseys to school. This could lead to fights between disagreeing students. More precautions need to be taken by schools to make sure that schools are safer. Uniforms are a smart and effective way to make all public schools a safer place to learn.
Public School In Hollister Introduces Uniforms
Conclusion
Public schools can provide a focused environment and a safer place to learn by proposing the idea of mandatory uniforms. Our schools in the United States are not going to get better if things do not change. Uniforms are a simple solution to end violence and create a learning atmosphere. They eliminate gang identity, clothing theft, and sports rivalry. In addition, uniforms provide less distractions and a focused environment. The push for mandatory uniforms at the presidential level began in the 1990s. Unfortunately, presidents since have not made this a priority. While the conformity the uniforms represent goes against every stitch in the United States flag, the data suggests uniforms promote a safe and healthy environment.
Works Cited
"ACLU of Nevada | Nevada's Guardian of Liberty Since 1967." ACLU of Nevada | Nevada's Guardian of Liberty Since 1967. 19 Dec. 2008. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.
Bowen, Sharry. "Should Kids Wear School Uniforms? - EduGuide." Should Kids Wear School Uniforms? - EduGuide. 2000. Web. 19 Feb. 2015.
Cruz, Bárbara. School Dress Codes: A Pro/con Issue. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Pub. 2001. Print.
"School Uniforms - ProCon.org." ProConorg Headlines. 12 Sept. 2014. Web. 12 Feb. 2015.
Wilde, Marion. "Do Uniforms Make Schools Better?" GreatSchools. 1999. Web. 08 Feb. 2015.
Williams, Julia. "School Uniform." SIRS Discoverer. ProQuest, 1999. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.