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Argumentative Essay on School Uniforms

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School Dress Code Argumentative Essay

As students head back to school, many will be required to adhere to a dress code or wear a school uniform. While dress codes have been around for centuries, their use in schools is relatively new.

The first recorded instance of a school dress code was in England in 1222. At that time, the Archbishop of Canterbury issued a decree stating that all students attending his cathedral school must wear the same type of clothing. This was done in an effort to prevent students from wearing expensive clothes that would give them an unfair advantage over their classmates.

Dress codes continued to be used sporadically over the next few centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that they began to be used more regularly in schools. One of the first notable instances of a dress code being enforced in schools was in 1898, when the Board of Education in New York City issued a set of rules that included a dress code.

The use of dress codes and uniforms in schools has been controversial since their inception. Proponents of dress codes argue that they promote discipline and order in schools. They also claim that dress codes help to prevent students from wearing inappropriate or distracting clothing.

Opponents of dress codes argue that they are a form of discrimination, as they often require girls to wear dresses or skirts while allowing boys to wear pants. They also argue that dress codes are an unnecessary expense for families.

The debate over dress codes is likely to continue for many years to come. In the meantime, schools that do have dress codes or uniforms will continue to enforce them.

Supporters disagree about why dress codes and uniforms should be enforced more at every school. First, they debate whether they should be encouraged. According to the book “School Uniforms” from Opposing Viewpoints in Context, supporters argue that “They aid educators in identifying students on field trips as well as strangers who enter the building.”

This is a valid point, as it would be helpful for adults to quickly identify students in order to keep them safe. It is also easier to enforce rules when everyone is wearing the same thing and looks similar. Furthermore, uniforms can promote a sense of community in a school.

According to “School Uniforms” from Opposing Viewpoints in Context, supporters claim that “uniforms help reduce economic and social barriers between students.” This is important because it can help all students feel equal and part of the same community, regardless of their background or income level.

However, there are also several arguments against dress codes and uniforms in schools. First, some argue that they are a form of censorship. According to “Dress Codes and School Uniforms” from Opposing Viewpoints in Context, opponents claim that “Dress codes and uniforms limit self-expression.” This is a valid point, as students should be able to express themselves through their clothing.

Additionally, dress codes and uniforms can be expensive, which can put a financial burden on families. According to “Dress Codes and School Uniforms” from Opposing Viewpoints in Context, opponents claim that “Some schools require students to purchase uniforms from specific stores or vendors, which can be costly.” This is an important point to consider, as not all families can afford to purchase uniforms for their children.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to enforce dress codes and uniforms in schools is a complex one. There are valid arguments for and against the practice. However, it is important to consider all of the potential implications before making a decision.

The second argument is that uniforms and dress codes protect students by allowing them to identify their heritage. Supporters next claim that uniforms and dress codes help to reduce bullying. According to the article in “School Uniforms” from Opposing and Viewpoints in Context, “They prevent rich kids from flaunting their wealth.”

So, this is how uniforms and dress codes are said to be helpful from the supporters’ side. Although there are many benefits that come from having uniforms or a dress code in schools, there are also some negative points that arise from it.

The first point against uniforms and dress codes is the fact that it takes away the student’s individuality and creativity. In the article, “Dress Code Violations: Should Schools Punish Students Who Break The Rules?” by Mary Beth Barber she states, “Some students feel they cannot express themselves through their clothing choices because of school dress codes and uniforms.

They believe their individuality is suppressed when they are not allowed to choose what to wear to school. In addition, some students feel they are not able to express their unique personality when they are forced to wear the same clothes as everyone else in their school.” So, this is one way in which uniforms and dress codes can be seen as negative by some students.

Another point against uniforms and dress codes is that they can be costly for some families. In the article, “Dress Code Violations: Should Schools Punish Students Who Break The Rules?” by Mary Beth Barber she states, “Uniforms and dress codes can also be costly for families. For example, a family with several children in a school that requires uniforms may have to spend a lot of money on clothing.

In addition, some schools require students to purchase specific items, such as a particular type of shoe or jacket. These requirements can add to the cost of uniforms and dress codes for families.” So, this is another way in which uniforms and dress codes can have a negative impact on some students and their families.

Back in the early to mid-nineties, Will Smith starred in a hit television comedy called The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as the lead character. His mother compelled him to move from the projects in Philadelphia to live with his very successful aunt and uncle in Los Angeles’ “high toned” suburb of Bel-Air, despite his reputation as a “good kid” on TV. He and his cousin Carleton attended a highly tauted private school that demanded uniforms.

Every day they would wake up and put on their little navy blue blazers with a gold emblem on the pocket, a white button down shirt, a red or blue tie and gray slacks. Then they would go downstairs to breakfast whereupon Aunt Vivian would inspect them to make sure their clothes were clean and pressed and that they looked “presentable”. The boys thought the whole process was ridiculous. They couldn’t understand why they had to wear uniforms when none of the other kids in Los Angeles did.

As it turns out, there are reasons for dress codes and school uniforms beyond making children look “presentable”. A study done in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Education found that there were some benefits to students wearing uniforms to school.

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Persuasive Essay Sample: Why Should Dress Codes Be Banned In Schools

Students are forced to wear specific types of clothes while other pieces are forbidden to wear such as ripped jeans, tank tops, leggings, etc. Women are often the ones who are more targeted than men which makes it unfair. Students feel limited, uncomfortable and sexualised. Why can’t people wear what they want? Therefore, I think that we should ban dress codes.  

Firstly, no one should have the right to seat rules on what is allowed to wear and not. According to the United Nations declaration of human rights article 19, “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. Nobody should own your body and say that you need, for example, to wear baggy clothes instead of a tank top. Moreover, girls are often the ones who have more restricting rules than boys. Why can’t people mind their own business? Some people use their style to express themselves and should be able to dress how they want. It’s important to be comfortable with what you wear. Would you want to wear clothes that aren't your style? No, I wouldn't think so. 

Secondly, it’s hard for students to find stores with clothes that are allowed to wear in school, especially for girls. What if you need to buy new things because you can’t wear anything from your wardrobe? That will make students spend a lot of money and perhaps people don’t have money to afford these things. Many schools have, for instance, a fingertip rule which means that skirts and dresses need to go down to your fingertip when you hold your arms straight. That will make it hard for women to find dresses or skirts that are that long since the selection in stores isn’t big at all. Therefore, dress codes can make students feel stressed, pressured and insecure because they don’t feel comfortable in their skin. 

However, many people claim that it can make students concentrate more on their studies which will make them less distracted in school. Indeed, pupils can get more disciplined in school since it promotes a more serious atmosphere. Although, if a student gets suspended because of what they wear, it will make them miss a lot of their education since they need to change clothes. Moreover, girls are often the ones who get sexualised. In The New York Times, Sabrina Barndel, a fellow at the Nationals Women’s Law Center states: “Dress codes are definitely sexist, she said”. “They put the onus on girls to not be distracting or not call attention to themselves instead of putting the onus on all students to respect everyone's body”.Why are women always the problem? People can stop going to school because they feel limited and don't see the importance of education anymore. 

In conclusion, we should ban dress codes in schools. That will make students more self-confident, feel less pressured and limited. But I can understand why people think dress codes are good since they can make them less distracted. However, we can not take away their personal identity since it’s a part of who they are. The first thing we can do to solve the problem is to first take away the rules of the upper body like thin straps, showing your collarbone, etc. Then do it step by step before taking away all the rules.

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School Dress Code Debates, Explained

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Are school dress codes a tool for student safety or a restriction on their self-identity? The question has been debated for years.

But more recently, dress codes have come up as an equity issue after reports that Black students, girls, and LGBTQ students across the country are disproportionately affected by school dress codes. Some districts have imposed harsh punishments on those groups of students, including in- or out-of-school suspensions, for violations of dress codes. And a federal Government Accountability Office report recently concluded there’s a lack of model policies to help school districts set dress codes that are fair to everyone.

Here are answers to some common questions about dress codes.

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Expert Commentary

School uniforms: Do they really improve student achievement, behavior?

This updated collection of research looks at how mandatory school uniforms impact student achievement, attendance and behavior as well as the presence of gangs in public schools.

Republish this article

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

by Denise-Marie Ordway, The Journalist's Resource April 20, 2018

This <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org/education/school-uniforms-research-achievement/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org">The Journalist's Resource</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://journalistsresource.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-jr-favicon-150x150.png" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;">

Decades ago, uniforms were mostly worn by students who went to private or parochial schools. But as local school boards have focused more on improving standardized test scores and campus safety, a growing number have begun requiring school uniforms — typically, a polo shirt of a particular color paired with navy or khaki pants, skirts or shorts. Nearly 22 percent of public schools in the United States required uniforms in 2015-16 — up from almost 12 percent in 1999-2000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Proponents argue that students will pay more attention to their classwork if they aren’t preoccupied with fashion, and that they’ll be better behaved. Meanwhile, school administrators say uniforms help eliminate gang-related styles and logos. They also make it easier to spot a stranger on campus.

Despite their reported benefits, mandatory uniforms are controversial because a lot of parents and students don’t like the idea of forcing children to dress alike, which they say suppresses freedom of expression. Some families complain about the financial burden of purchasing uniforms in addition to their kids’ other clothing. Years ago, parents also complained that it was difficult to find uniforms, but that ceased to be an issue after large chain stores like Target and Wal-Mart began selling them.

As public schools debate the merits of uniforms — some school boards have been bouncing the idea around for years — it’s important for journalists to know what the research says on this topic. School officials do not always consult academic research before they put a plan on the table.

To help journalists ground their reporting and fact-check claims, Journalist’s Resource has rounded up several academic studies worth reviewing. Reporters may also want to examine reports on uniform use from the NCES, which collects and reports data related to school uniforms, dress codes and book bags in public schools.

——————————–

 “School Discipline, School Uniforms and Academic Performance” Baumann, Chris; Krskova, Hana. International Journal of Educational Management , 2016. DOI: 10.1108/IJEM-09-2015-0118.

Summary: This study examines test scores and student behavior in the United States, Canada and 37 other countries to determine whether uniforms affect student discipline. The researchers found that the highest-performing students are the most disciplined. In addition, “for countries where students wear school uniforms, our study found that students listen significantly better, there are lower noise levels, and lower teaching waiting times with classes starting on time.”

“Dressed for Success? The Effect of School Uniforms on Student Achievement and Behavior” Gentile, Elizabetta; Imberman, Scott A. Journal of Urban Economics , 2012, Vol. 71. doi: 10.1016/j.jue.2011.10.002.

Abstract: “Uniform use in public schools is rising, but we know little about how they affect students. Using a unique dataset from a large urban school district in the southwest United States, we assess how uniforms affect behavior, achievement and other outcomes. Each school in the district determines adoption independently, providing variation over schools and time. By including student and school fixed-effects we find evidence that uniform adoption improves attendance in secondary grades, while in elementary schools they generate large increases in teacher retention.”

“Uniforms in the Middle School: Student Opinions, Discipline Data, and School Police Data” Sanchez, Jafeth E.; Yoxsimer, Andrew; Hill, George C. Journal of School Violence , 2012. DOI: 10.1080/15388220.2012.706873.

Summary: Researchers asked students at an urban middle school in Nevada what they thought of having to wear uniforms. Their public school had adopted a uniform policy after staff members became frustrated with the earlier dress code policy, which resulted in girls wearing revealing clothing and boys wearing shirts with inappropriate messages and images. The study’s main takeaway: The vast majority of students said they dislike uniforms, although some agreed there were benefits. “For example, in reference to gender, more than expected females than males indicated students treated them better with uniforms. Also, fewer females than males got detention for not wearing a uniform or for wearing a uniform inappropriately.”

“Are School Uniforms a Good Fit? Results from the ECLS-K and the NELS” Yeung, Ryan. Educational Policy , 2009, Vol. 23. doi: 10.1177/0895904808330170.

Abstract: “One of the most common proposals put forth for reform of the American system of education is to require school uniforms. Proponents argue that uniforms can make schools safer and also improve school attendance and increase student achievement. Opponents contend that uniforms have not been proven to work and may be an infringement on the freedom of speech of young people. Within an econometric framework, this study examines the effect of school uniforms on student achievement. It tackles methodological challenges through the use of a value-added functional form and the use of multiple data sets. The results do not suggest any significant association between school uniform policies and achievement. Although the results do not definitely support or reject either side of the uniform argument, they do strongly intimate that uniforms are not the solution to all of American education’s ills.”

“Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Use, and Academic Achievement” Brunsma, David L.; Rockquemore, Kerry A. The Journal of Educational Research , 1998, Vol. 92. doi: 10.1080/00220679809597575.

Abstract: “Mandatory uniform policies have been the focus of recent discourse on public school reform. Proponents of such reform measures emphasize the benefits of student uniforms on specific behavioral and academic outcomes. Tenth-grade data from The National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 was used to test empirically the claims made by uniform advocates. The findings indicate that student uniforms have no direct effect on substance use, behavioral problems, or attendance. Contrary to current discourse, the authors found a negative effect of uniforms on student academic achievement. Uniform policies may indirectly affect school environment and student outcomes by providing a visible and public symbol of commitment to school improvement and reform.”

“School Uniforms, Academic Achievement, and Uses of Research” Bodine, Ann. The Journal of Educational Research , 2003, Vol. 97. doi: 10.1080/00220670309597509.

Abstract: “School uniforms are being advocated for a range of social, educational, economic, and familial reasons. In 1998, The Journal of Educational Research (The JER) published an article by D. Brunsma and K. Rockquemore that claims that uniforms correlate negatively with academic achievement, but data presented in this article actually show positive correlation between uniforms and achievement for the total sample, and for all but 1 school sector. Examination of structure of argument reveals that the erroneous claim results from misleading use of sector analysis. Simultaneous with The JER article, and on the basis of the same National Education Longitudinal Study: 1988 database, an Educational Testing Service article reported that no correlation exists between uniforms and achievement. The two articles are contrasted in this study. The effect of new communication technology in amplifying political uses of academic research is discussed.”

“Public School Uniforms: Effect on Perceptions of Gang Presence, School Climate, and Student Self-Perceptions” Wade, Kathleen Kiley; Stafford, Mary E. Education and Urban Society , 2003, Vol. 35. doi: 10.1177/0013124503255002.

Abstract: “This study attempts to clarify the relationships between public school uniforms and some of their intended results: student self-worth and student and staff perceptions of gang presence and school climate. The instruments used in the study included a questionnaire on gang presence and identity, the National Association of School Principals Comprehensive Assessment of School Environments, and the Harter Self-Perception Profile for Children. Participants consisted of 415 urban public middle school students and 83 teachers. Findings indicate that, although perceptions did not vary for students across uniform policy, teachers from schools with uniform policies perceived lower levels of gang presence. Although the effect size was small, students from schools without uniforms reported higher self-perception scores than students from schools with uniform policies. Student and teacher perceptions of school climate did not vary across uniform policy.”

“The Effect of Uniforms on Nonuniform Apparel Expenditures” Norum, Pamela S.; Weagley, Robert O.; Norton, Marjorie J. Family & Consumer Sciences , 1998. doi: 10.1177/1077727X980263001.

Abstract: “The uniform industry has grown steadily the past 20 years with increased attention from employers trying to create a professional image among workers as well as school administrators considering uniforms to curtail school violence. Although an important part of human dress for centuries, uniforms have received little attention from researchers of the clothing market. This study examines the impact of uniform purchases on household expenditures for selected nonuniform apparel subcategories based on an economic model of conditional demand. Expenditure equations are estimated using the 1990-1991 Consumer Expenditure Survey. The results suggest that, on average, consumers do not substitute uniforms for other apparel purchases. Rather, uniforms and nonuniform apparel appear to be complements in consumers’ purchases, resulting in greater household expenditures on nonuniform apparel. These results are a first step in understanding the economic effect that uniform purchases, mandated by employers, schools, or others, have on household clothing expenditures.”

Looking for more research on student achievement? Check out our write-ups on how teacher salaries , school vouchers and school shootings impact learning.   

About The Author

Denise-Marie Ordway