Facts against School Uniforms

The debate whether schools should have a uniform or not is an ancient one. Educators, parents and students argue passionately about the pros and cons of having a school uniform. While the proponents of uniform believe that a uniform removes any biases based on socio-economic conditions, those against it cite that uniform inhibits personal expression of students. There are several issues that demand the need for uniform or a standard dress code in schools. However, an equal number of issues arise when a uniform is made mandatory in schools.

In this article, we have presented a few facts against school uniforms. However, it would also be interesting to know what the proponents of uniform dress code have to say. Some of the strong arguments against uniform policy are as given below. So, let's take a look at various arguments against school uniform.

Argument: Uniforms prevent the formation of cliques and thus, inhibit violence in schools.

Fact:
True, uniforms bring all the students on a common platform that is devoid of any socio-economic biases. They also prevent the students from flashing their associations with certain gangs and groups through their clothing. However, implementing uniform dress code may not prevent this problem entirely. Students can always come up with ways to judge their peers. Some of the bases for passing judgment may include, skin, hair color, style, accessories, academic excellence, popularity etc. Thus, they may be less accommodating of students who do not fit their standards. As far as violence is considered, those who are inclined towards it, will always find a way to sneak weapons or other means of violence in school. Thus, uniforms may not always serve their intended purpose.

Argument: Uniforms help identify the students, thereby preventing intruders.

Fact:
This is another valid argument in favor of uniforms. Uniforms sure help identify the students within the school premises as well as outside. More often than not, it has been found that the culprits of violence often go to other schools to carry out their violent activities. Implementation of uniform can help prevent these culprits from entering the school premises and causing any untoward incidence. However, there is still a risk of perpetrators disguising themselves as school students. Finding school uniforms in indeed not a difficult task, if you can buy, steal or borrow them from friends attending the concerned school. In short, those determined to carry out unscrupulous activities will still find their way.

Argument: Uniforms are cheaper, hence reduce the financial burden on parents.

Fact:
Interestingly, the fact is exact opposite of the above argument. Uniforms may be cheaper than branded or designer clothing, but they are no way cheaper than street clothing. Thus, if you are not fussy about a particular brand, you can save a lot of money if the school does not insist on uniforms. Uniforms alone do not take care of all the clothing requirements of kids. Along with uniforms, you need to buy clothes to wear after school as well as on weekends. Needless to say, this imposes an additional expense on parents. With normal clothing, parents have an option to buy from discount stores, used clothing store etc., to save a considerable sum. Uniforms are found only at select stores, with a fixed price, which can be a real pain for low-income families with multiple kids.

Argument: Uniforms prevent the need for implementing formal dress code in schools.

Fact:
Dress code implementation can never be unambiguous. Students can always find ways to tweak the code as per their taste. Uniforms, to some extent, may prevent the students from displaying their fashion sense. However, students may still find ways to stylize their school uniforms. For instance, they may roll the waistline to make the skirt shorter or not tuck their shirts or roll their sleeves. It is simply impossible to prevent the students from displaying their personal taste even in uniforms.

Other Arguments in Against School Uniforms

• By making all kids dress up alike, school uniforms inhibit students' individuality. Young people often express their feelings through the clothing that they wear. Uniforms take away this form of expression.
• A school uniform policy inhibits a student's freedom of choice. Schools teach students that our country is a free one. But when school boards make students wear what they tell them to, it curtails the students' freedom.
• School uniforms are often unsafe and highly impractical. It is unfair to make kindergarten students wear button down shirts and ties, both of which could be unsafe for them. Besides, uniforms are rarely comfortable in all seasons.
• Another important fact that works against school uniforms is their unattractive appearance. Wearing plain, unattractive uniform may make students conscious about their appearance and may adversely affect their self-image.
• Uniforms restrict the ability of kids to accommodate those who do not have same style, taste as them. This can be problematic during adult life, where you have to work with people with diverse personal tastes and styles.

Implementing uniform policy may not be the answer to resolve the issues at schools. Instead, students should be made aware of the issues and encouraged to find the solutions on their own. They should be taught to be proud of what they are and also respect others who do not share their style.