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Public schools should require uniforms! Parents should read this article before rejecting the idea of uniforms in the schools. In the first place, uniforms are not new to education, just public schools. Catholic schools and military schools use them and for many good reasons, some of which public schools should address. Uniforms create unity and pride. Ask any Marine. Uniforms aid in discipline and respect, two key issues in our schools today. I taught in public schools for over 38 years, and I can vouch for the need for uniforms. Parents may think they have a control over what their children wear, but they do not. They may send them off looking nice, but they change their clothes on the way to class. Here are some of the issues about clothes that our school-aged children wear to school; it would behoove us to look at these negatives of street clothes:

The Prostitute Look

Many young ladies are going to school dressed like prostitutes or "ho's" as they call themselves. I was always sending someone to the office because the dress code was being abused with halter tops, short skirts, tight short shorts, and see through garments. If the school systems initiated uniforms, these sexual distractions would disappear, and we could get on with the business of teaching and learning. A simple uniform of white blouses/shirts and dark skirts/pants would be appropriate. No one should have to pay anymore for the "uniform" look than what is already paid for school clothes. Uniforms would create respect for sexual differences instead of lust.

The Bully

Uniforms are helpful in eliminating bullying and taunting of students who are less fortunate. Young people are so sensitive to fashion that they show off and tease kids who do not have name-brand, top of the line clothes and shoes. I've seen the looks that the rich kids give those who aren't fashion bugs. We don't need more competition in the schools. We have enough in the academic world to choke a few hundred horses! The uniform would actually bring schools together with pride and unity; the school colors could be the colors allowed for the uniform.

Drug Messages

I have seen students come to school dressed in sensible, comfortable clothing, and by second period, they have changed their clothes or hiked them up to make them noticeable. Another clothing issue that would become extinct is the practice of head gear and other paraphernalia that signal drug use, holding, or selling. Uniforms would make this practice unavailable. Students would learn to respect each other for reasons other than cultural factors.

Competition

Besides helping the drug issues and fashion competition to go by the wayside, uniforms would put all our teens on an even keel. They would show their individuality by their hairstyles and accessories. They have enough to handle in today's world. Why make clothing another issue for them to agonize over? No one is trying to usurp our students' individuality. Their personalities determine that. Putting on a "uniform" would be putting on respect, dignity, unity, pride, and discipline.

A Clean-cut Look

In my opinion, uniforms would satisfy most teachers and parents if not the students. We are their leaders, so we should protect them and make rules toward that goal. Students need to be aware of their academics, not each other's fashion sense and sexy bodies. I think it would increase student grades, attitudes, and sense of comfort. No more bullying might just cut down on school violence, too. We could give it a try. We wouldn't have much to lose if we make the uniform a simple one, and not a "name brand" one, for some company to hike up the prices. Let us make the new look for a new age a clean-cut inexpensive outfit.

Learn more about this author, Ann Palmieri.
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