School Uniform Codes differ from Dress Codes in that dress codes tell a student what they cannot wear, but Uniform Codes tell a student what they must wear. The debate about the intent behind School Uniforms and the benefits of adopting such a practice have been raging on for years in Private Schools and Public School communities. New York has one of the highest numbers of students “in uniform” and so the debate about the necessity of the policy and benefits or detractions are a consistent subject.
TeachersCount.org summed up some of the arguments in favor of and against Uniform Policies:
Arguments in Favor:
School uniforms improve academic performance because they create an equal and orderly atmosphere. They reduce distractions imposed by clothing items.
School uniforms prevent the formation of cliques or gangs and reduce the influence of peer pressure, all based on the physical appearance of students.
School uniforms remove the socio-economic hierarchy among students that can be reflected in their choice of clothing; how much a garment cost or where it was bought.
Arguments Against:
School uniform policies infringe on parents’ and students’ rights to freedom of expression.
The cost of uniforms infringe on parents’ and students’ rights to a free public education.
While the custom of School Uniforms has always been more popular in Private and Catholic Schools in NYC, many public schools have made the switch.
One of the pervading theories behind the benefit to a Uniform Dress Code is that students will not have to be under constant peer scrutiny regarding their choice in clothes, with an emphasis on the ability to afford the cool clothes and the expensive clothes (often one and the same.) The fashion wars that rage in schools are usually won by those whose families can afford the very best, leaving a large number of students wearing a constant reminder that they cannot compete financially with their classmates. In essence, not having the designer clothes or the new “in” trend is the equivalent to a Fashion Scarlet Letter scrawled across the students’ clothing.
While some point out the theory that a school uniform code enables better attendance and a higher focus on academic pursuits rather than fashion, no concrete studies have proven this.
The Ed.gov website published a manual on School Uniform Policies, their potential benefits, and ways that can help school administrators develop their own policies.
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Although, students would love it more to go to school in their chosen clothing, I really think it would be best if these kids don’t get into trouble just because they can’t afford designer clothes. I can attest to that. Well, actually even now, in the hospital where I work, I’m grateful we’re required to wear uniforms. Even if I wear adar medical uniforms everyday, I won’t feel belittled. It’s because you don’t see or feel the pressure of looking fashionable when everybody else are in scrubs.