The Good and Bad of School Uniforms
The pros and cons of school uniforms have been debated for years. Those in favor say they promote students' well-being, save money and improve performance. Opponents say that they violate students' rights to free expression and that the benefits are often overstated or attributable to other things, while drawbacks are overlooked or ignored.
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Safety
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Proponents say uniforms make it harder for students to smuggle weapons, drugs and other illegal items into schools. Opponents say a determined troublemaker will simply find another way to carry contraband.
Harassment
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Proponents argue that uniforms cut down on peer-to-peer harassment by eliminating the status issues associated with designer clothing. Opponents say children just look for other things to harass a student about, such as weight or race.
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Cost
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Supporters say uniforms save parents money, because they don't have to buy so many school clothes. Critics argue that, since the uniforms have no use outside of school, parents are actually spending more money on clothing.
Distractions
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Proponents say uniforms cut down on distractions in the learning environment. The American Civil Liberties Union argues this is a violation of the students' First Amendment right to express themselves. The definition of a distraction is subjective, and varies from person to person.
Improved Grades
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Proponents of uniforms say that when dress-related distractions are removed, grades improve. Opponents cite numerous instances in which some of the best students can be the worst dressers.
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References
- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/tinou/773876874/
