FAQs About Student Uniforms
Student uniforms are the subject of many debates. Many people feel that enforcing school uniforms does not allow students to show their individuality, while others feel that the positives outweigh the negatives by creating equality among all students regardless of social status and class.
Q: Are uniforms only used in private schools?
A: No, school uniforms have been mandated in many public schools across the country.
Q: Do mandatory school uniforms decrease gang problems in schools?
A: Mandating the use of school uniforms can decrease the amount of gang violence in schools by making all students look the same. Gangs commonly distinguish their own members by the colors that they wear. School uniforms prevent this type of activity by creating an environment where everyone is dressed in the same colors.
Q: Do school uniforms improve academic performance?
A: Studies have shown that schools that have implemented a mandatory uniform policy have increased test scores in basic skills such as reading and math when tested.
Q: Are school uniforms costly?
A: While the initial expense of school uniforms can be costly. There are a variety of programs that allow parents to swap uniforms from other parents in the community.
Q: Do school uniforms violate the student's right to individuality?
A: Because children are not allowed to dress as they wish, mandatory uniforms do take away from the students ability to express their individuality through their clothing.
Q: Do mandatory school uniforms create social equality among children that come from low-income families?
A: Due to the inability of low-income families to purchase expensive name brand clothes and shoes, these children are often picked on due to their social status. School uniforms allow this social pressure to be removed from the educational environment.
Q: Can a student express individuality while wearing a school uniform?
A: Yes, even though all students must wear the same styles and colors of clothing there are ways in which students can still express their individuality through accessories, types of uniform worn, shoes and hair accessories.