The Mandation of School Uniforms in Public Schools

Mandating of Public School uniforms.
Middle school and high school is a place in time for pre-teen and adolescents to mature physically, mentally, academically and emotionally. Magazines, television, music and the uniqueness of sports players and celebrities have a big influence on the ideal image that the typical teenager has. Students often feel pressured to become popular and fit in with their peers, due to fashion and appearance. In spite of the individuality that each student possesses, public schools should mandate all students to wear uniforms to eliminate economic stress on parents, for the enhancement of school pride and to cease the effects of peer pressure and bullying.
Although public schools already have a strict Dress Code policy, mandating school uniforms will improve students’ appearance and eliminate the economic stress on parents. Parents spend hundreds of dollars yearly to keep up with the latest fashion trends for their children. Unfortunately, low-income families are unable to afford such trends. This leaves room for conflict, disruptive behavior and disheartening attitudes from students. Children who are unable to wear expensive clothing may feel pressured and teased by their peers, resulting in poor attendance because they have “nothing to wear.” If all public schools were in agreement with a particular uniform, students’ attendance will increase. Some may argue that the cost of uniforms are expensive, but many retail stores such as Walmart, Target and Sears offer school uniforms in a wide selection for inexpensive prices. Also, with the decision of not wearing uniforms, buying more clothing would be way more expensive.
High School students (ages 14-18) are at a point in their young lives where they want to have freedom of choice and express themselves in their own unique way. Opponents may argue that uniforms will prohibit this right for students. On the contrary, school uniforms will encourage students to have a sense of belonging and represent school pride. The choice of freedom will not be revoked because students will learn that a unique individual is developed through intellect, personality and skills, not appearance. There are more ways that a student can express themselves, such as music, art, sports and academics. Uniforms will eliminate social barriers between students, as well as school administration. The image of success is promoted through the use of school uniforms to students and teachers, preparing them for the work-ready world.
Peer pressure and bullying are two major issues in the public school system. There is a wide range of diversity amongst the student body, leaving an open opportunity for conflict. In the 1980’s and early 1990’s students were getting into fights, robbed and even killed over designer sneakers and clothing items. Violence in the school system should not be tolerated under any circumstance. By enforcing the school uniform policy in the public school system, students will be able to focus on learning the curriculum of the teachers versus being distracted by what another student is wearing. On January 18, 1994, Long Beach Unified School District in the state of California voted to require school uniforms in all elementary and middle schools. On August 23, 1994, the SB1269 school uniform law was approved by the governor of California. (Wikipedia) This law also allowed parents to opt out. LBUSD reported 2% of students who opted out. LBUSD also claimed that assaults dropped by 2/3, suspensions by almost 1/3, attendance approves and test scores increased. (Wikipedia) LBUSD now has three high schools, Wilson Classical High School, Cabrillo High School and Millikan High School, which all have a school uniform policy. President Bill Clinton stated in his 1996 State of the 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 uniforms.” (Presidency, usbs.edu) With the help of parents and the community, uniforms can encourage academic discipline in the school system, causing less violence and negativity.
In conclusion, I believe that public schools should mandate students to wear school uniforms to eliminate economic stress on parents, for the enhancement of school pride and to cease the effects on peer pressure and bullying. It is important for educators to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in life to students, meanwhile creating a safe environment for them to learn as well. School Uniforms may not prevent all issues in the school system, but it will start with taking the focus of image from being the most important thing to teenagers, to making the primary focus back to what is the most important reason why students are attending school, which is to obtain an education.