Why Should Schools Have Dress Codes?

Dress codes may encourage learning.

Dress codes, or guidelines that outline the acceptable clothing children can wear to school, have many benefits. Supporters of dress codes argue that they help students learn more efficiently, fairly and productively.

Individuality

Dress codes encourage students to express themselves through their academic or personal achievements, rather than through appearances.

Financial Disparity

Dress codes may reduce the visible differences between wealthy and needy children, which may lead to a more positive social environment. A Sam Houston State University study found that dress codes achieved a "minimization of the effects of economic variations among students."

Cost

Dress codes can also save all parents money by reducing incentive to buy expensive brand name clothing.

School Pride

Dress codes may also enhance a sense of school pride or community.

Drawbacks

Critics of dress codes argue that dress codes inhibit student expression because clothes express deeply held ethnic or religious beliefs, and that dress codes encourage conformity rather than adaptability.

References

• Fresno Pacific University: Pros and Cons of School Dress Codes
• Polk County Public Schools: School Uniform and Dress Code Information
• Sam Houston State University: Dress Code Study