School Uniforms Continue to Cause Heated Debate in USA

Wednesday 28th of January 2009 02:22:10 PM

School uniforms are required wear in many European and Asian countries. The sight of groups of children wearing colour coordinated clothing, including printed t-shirts in many cases, is familiar to local citizens. But in the USA, school boards in cities and towns are still debating one by one on the advantages and disadvantages of requiring school uniforms to be worn by children.

A typical case is the debate raging in the Metro Nashville Public Schools in the state of Tennessee in the USA. The school adopted a uniform as the dress code in April 2007. But the policy was adopted with a clause that said school principals could change the policy in their schools after 2 years. So now the discussion on whether uniforms are beneficial has been started again. The various principals have differing views. Some claim the uniforms have improved school discipline leading to a better climate more conducive to learning. Other principals say the uniforms are distracting and stifle creative expression.

The current discussion at the School Board level could lead to any of a number of changes. The possible changes include reversing the current uniform policy, approving exemption requests, changing the current uniform styling, or making other changes to policies or uniforms.

Parents have mixed opinions about the uniforms also. Some parents of school students feel the uniforms are too expensive and have even led to increased school disruptions. But other parents like the current policy and are pushing for the School Board to keep it in place.

The Associate Superintendent Ralph Thompson said, “We are going to get with the principals and talk to the schools to see what they suggest.” School uniforms have been growing in popularity throughout the USA as a way to prevent inappropriate dress in the school. But the debate going on in Nashville, Tennessee is typical of debates around the country. Since each school district in every state in the USA can adopt its own policy, uniform requirements vary significantly from school to school.