by Jessica Sanders-Parmer

Created on: April 02, 2010

Overview

Uniforms in the public school system have gained popularity over the years, as school districts believe it is an actionable measure to reduce crime and increase the safety in their schools. The uniforms are used to help subside jealousy and greed among the students, as well a theft ignited by pricy clothing and accessories.

History

School uniforms gained popularity among the public school systems in 1994 when the school district of Long Beach, California, became the first to make uniforms mandatory for its students. The use of uniforms as spread rapidly since then, with many districts throughout the U.S. adapting the policy, especially those with schools that face constant disciplinary issues amongst their students.

Purpose

The U.S. Department of Education contends that implementing the use of school uniforms creates a safe and disciplined learning environment by decreasing the incidence of peer pressure, violence and theft related to apparel and the availability for intruders to the school to blend in.

Policy Types

School districts that adopt a school-uniform policy can choose to make the uniform requirements mandatory, which may have an opt-out option, or voluntary. Parents may choose to opt-out of uniform policies for a variety of reasons set forth by their individual school district. Many parents breathe a sigh of relief however, as the cost of a few uniforms for the school year can greatly reduce the ordinary amount of money spent on the fashions requested by children throughout the school year.

Misconceptions

A school uniform policy does not completely hinder the students’ ability to express themselves as individuals, as the U.S. Department of Education requires that they are still able to express themselves with items such as political buttons and religious headscarves. Of course, normal items of expression that would normally violate a schools code of conduct such as gang insignia and items that promote illegal drugs (a cannabis leaf necklace) do not fall under this exception.

Effects

The Department of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame found in their research on “The Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Use, and Academic Achievement” that the use of uniforms had no direct effect on the issues. This leaves the use of uniforms in public schools up to more of a matter of taste of those heading up the district in which the school resides, rather than effective measure for enhancing the learning environment.

Considerations

The Department of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame reports in its findings that there is a correlation between uniforms and a negative effect on student academic achievement as well as an increase in absenteeism from students not required to wear uniforms.

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