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School Uniforms: The Eternal Debate
School uniforms have been a hot topic for quite some time. While school uniforms are usually implemented in private school, more and more public and charter schools are considering uniforms for their school sites. School uniforms are implemented for a variety of reasons, and have a variety of outcomes as well. School uniforms do not work in public schools. School uniforms cause a variety of problems including limiting self- expression and causing an economic hardship for families, and should not be implemented in public schools.
Freedom of expression is stifled by school uniforms. According to Smith, “Self-expression is one of the biggest factors in teen self-esteem.” If students are not able to express themselves, they may not look at themselves in a positive light. As such, by attempting to solve one problem we could be causing another. Jones, another author, goes on to explain “we promote freethinking amongst our students.” Uniforms however, are just the opposite of freethinking. By pushing uniforms, we are asking students to all follow a single path of thought. School uniforms go against teenager’s natural tendencies, and what schools promote.
An economic divide is promoted with the use of school uniforms. A single uniform can cost almost one hundred dollars, according to the schooluniforms.com website. This is not cost effective with the families that live in Hemet. Some students may only be able to afford one uniform, and would stand out against those who could afford many uniforms. In addition, “there is a captive market for manufacturers to take advantage,” according to Jones. Manufacturers have contracts with schools, which only allow schools to purchase from one manufacturer. This would open the door for prices to increase each year, forcing the students and parents to pay the high cost of uniforms.
Many individuals argue that uniforms cut down on bullying, which is why they are pro-uniform. Smith explains that, “students pass judgement on their peers.” Essentially, student judge one another based on what they wear. Teenagers find reasons to bully one another. Yet bullying isn’t caused by clothing, and uniforms wouldn’t truly stop the bullying problem.
School uniforms are not a solution for public schools. School uniforms not only stifle a teenager’s freedom of expression, and create an economic hardship for families, but they do not solve the bullying problem as intended. Schools should focus on the root of the problem at hand, and attempt a valid attempt at solving it, rather than putting a Band-Aid on the problem.