The Pros of Uniforms in Schools

Uniforms create a businesslike atmosphere at school.

Dr. John German, principal of South Shore Middle School in Seattle, Wash., says his school began to require uniforms because the students were "draggin,' saggin,' and laggin.'" German is among a growing number of educators and parents who credit uniforms with improved school safety, increased school spirit and higher academic achievement. Although some may question the link between student dress and positive change, anecdotal evidence supports the true believers over the naysayers in this debate.

School Safety

In 1996, President Bill Clinton used his State of the Union address to voice support for school uniforms, citing their potential to reduce the number of students assaulted over designer jackets and expensive athletic shoes. Because clothing styles, colors and insignia often indicate gang membership, uniforms may also help reduce gang growth. Banning baggy clothing with deep pockets also means fewer weapons are brought into the school. Finally, people who should not be in the building are easy to spot because they stand out in the crowd of homogeneous colors.

Financial Savings

When their children wear uniforms to school, parents feel less pressure to buy expensive, name-brand clothing. Income levels are less apparent, which reduces the stigma students feel if they cannot afford the latest trendy fashions. Uniforms also add to the longevity of more expensive clothing. Designer jeans are not ruined by a correction fluid spill or torn during a pickup basketball game on the playground. Parents may also sell or trade outgrown uniforms from one year to the next, which means even more savings.

Improved Discipline

According to teachers, attention and discipline in class improve with the adoption of a school uniform. Students are no longer checking out who is wearing what, and teachers don't have to compete with revealing clothing for their students' attention. Taking a cue from career coaches, educators argue that looking neater breeds success. When students are cleaned up, teachers contend, they are naturally inclined to behave in a more mature way.

A Diverse Team

School uniforms promote school spirit, just as sports uniforms do. In some schools, the staff also adopts the uniform, further adding to the feeling that everyone is on the same team. Uniforms also help blur the lines between social groups. As a result, students open themselves up to friendships with a more diverse group of classmates.

Policy Considerations

Schools considering a uniform policy should bring parents into the discussion, giving them ample opportunity to voice their preferences and concerns. The policy should address the needs of financially-strapped families and students whose religious beliefs require special clothing. Finally, schools must consider how to handle families who choose to opt out of the uniform program.

References

• GreatSchools: Do Uniforms Make Schools Better?
• Kids' Health: School Uniform - Yuk!
• U.S. Department of Education: Manual on School Uniforms
• The Journal of Educational Research: "The Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Use, and Academic Achievement"; David L. Brunsma, et al.; February 1998
• NJ.com: More N.J. Schools Turn to Student Uniforms to Improve Education