The Effect of Uniforms on School Discipline

School uniforms can improve discipline, but the answers are rarely so simple.

Many schools adopt uniforms and similarly strict dress codes as a means of improving discipline among the student body. Such policies often include their share of controversy, and the question of their effectiveness has yet to be resolved. The devil is often in the details, and uniforms tend to work best when combined with a well-conceived overall school policy.

Benefits

The benefits of school uniforms mainly entail a reduction in peer conflict. Gang members often dress in particular styles or colors, which uniforms eliminate. On less ominous levels, uniforms decrease the disparity between affluent students and less affluent students, preventing ostracizing "have nots" who might not be able to afford clothing in the latest style. Ethnic differences are minimized as well, and uniforms keep students from displaying controversial messages or implications on their clothing (such as racial slurs or statements on heated political issues).

Drawbacks

The primary drawback to school uniforms from a disciplinary perspective involves the students' perceived loss of self-expression. Those who feel that uniforms stifle their individuality or creativity may experience a lowered sense of self-esteem. That, in turn can result in students looking for outlets for their frustration by acting out or bullying other students.

Data

Data on the effectiveness of student uniforms in improving discipline has proven inconclusive. A study of the use of school uniforms in Long Beach Unified School District showed a decrease in disciplinary problems, but failed to account for other policies enacted at the same time which may have contributed to the results. Similarly, a national study from Brunsma and Rockquemore found little overall difference in attendance, grades and behavioral problems between schools with uniforms and schools without.

Implementation

Implementing school uniforms appears most effective when combined with other adjustments in disciplinary policy. Uniforms in and of themselves do not constitute a magic bullet for disciplinary problems, nor do they benefit from unduly strict punishments for infractions. But when added to increased extracurricular activities, improved on-campus security, conflict-resolution techniques taught in classrooms and similar efforts to keep discipline in check, their impact can be felt more readily.

Suggestions

The Consortium to Prevent School Violence suggests allowing parents and students to have a hand in creating any school's uniform policy. Administration official should clearly state the overall goals of a uniform policy before implementation, and the school should conduct regular evaluations to see how effective the policy is at meeting those goals. In order to reduce perceived 1st Amendment issues. Uniforms should not infringe upon reasonable rights of expression such as the ability to wear religious symbols or buttons advocating a political candidate.

References

• The University of Oregon: Uniforms and Dress-Code Policies
• Consortium to Prevent School Violence: School Uniforms