School Uniform Policy Information

People often disagree on the benefits of school uniforms.

School uniforms are viewed as a standard educational feature by some and a restrictive marker of elite privilege by others. Many educators believe strong school uniform policies are fundamental to ensuring a sense of equality among students and maintaining discipline in the classroom. In America, debates about the usefulness of school uniforms are especially heated in districts in which regular school dress codes are ineffective.

History

The school uniform as it is typically known today made its first appearance in England during the 16th century. Poor students at charity schools wore clothes made of inexpensive material in colors that reinforced the ideals of humility and charity. In that country, they have since become associated with schools for the elite. In Canada, publicly funded Catholic high schools often require a school uniform. Although they are not uncommon at American private schools, school uniforms are rare in many American public schools.

Public Debate

In his 1996 State of the Union Address, Bill Clinton praised the Long Beach Unified District in Southern California for implementing a district-wide school uniform policy. Since that time, debates about school uniforms have taken place in school districts all over the United States. Key points for discussion in many school districts include accessibility, affordability and whether or not uniforms should be mandatory for all students.

Facts

Although no state has mandated a school uniform policy, federal courts have gradually increased schools' abilities to restrict student dress since the 1980s. The University of Oregon's Clearing House on Educational Policy and Management reports that, "Most dress codes and uniform policies are developed at the district or school level," and that, "Some state statutes affect only dress codes with no mention of uniforms; others address dress codes and uniform policies separately; others include uniforms within dress codes." The National Center for Education Statistics reports that between 2007 and 2008, 17.5 percent of public schools required school uniforms. In 1997, researcher Richard K. Murray published a study in which school uniforms were shown to have a positive influence on school climate, a major factor in student success.

Benefits

Many view school uniforms as an integral part of school discipline. In districts and schools with a high gang presence, school uniforms eliminate the presence of gang colors in the classroom and are thus an important tactic in reducing school violence. Some parents believe that school uniforms help students to focus on their work rather than on the possessions of their peers. Uniforms eliminate the tendency for teenagers to compete with one another via designer clothing. School uniforms are also credited with creating a strong sense of identity and school pride among students.

Drawbacks

Some parents and students feel that school uniforms are restrictive and stifle students' creativity and personal expression. School uniform policies can be difficult to implement in schools in which there is no history of students who wear uniforms. Low-income parents and families with many children can find it difficult to meet the costs associated with school uniforms. Schools that adopt school uniforms usually require uniforms to be purchased from a designated supplier. Such requirements can be both inconvenient and controversial.

Ethical Clothing Practices

In the 1990s, increased attention was given to sweatshops and their roles in the production of clothing for children and athletic merchandise. In response to pressure from school groups and community members, many schools and school uniform companies have developed a code of conduct for their manufacturers and business partners. Some have moved faster than others. In 1998, Duke University adopted an influential anti-sweatshop code for all licensed Duke apparel. In 2009 R.J. McCarthy Ltd., Canada's largest school uniform company, issued a statement affirming its commitment "to doing business only with those manufacturers who share our high standards and provide safe and fair work environments for their employees." The company's overseas manufacturing practices had come under public scrutiny.

References

• CEPM: Dress Codes and School-Uniform Policies, State by State
• The Morning Call: Allentown Task Force To Study School Uniforms
• The Chronicle: University Adopts Stringent Anti-Sweatshop Code

Resources

• The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us about American Education; David L. Brunsma; 2004
• Dress Codes in Schools; Jill Hamilton; 2007