3 Cheers for School Uniforms

Thursday 05th of February 2009 04:58:45 AM

Public schools across America are making the switch to school uniforms. In an attempt to level the playing field and lessen peer pressure many school districts are implementing new dress codes that include a school uniform for all students.

Some school districts are now requiring students to wear school uniforms in response to increased school violence and delinquency. With school uniforms all students will be wearing the same outfit and not be allowed to display colors, (a common trend among gangs), or wear inappropriate clothing.

“We get complaints from parents complaining about the way some of our students dress. Our focus is on learning but we want to also let our students know that to succeed they will have to follow the mores of society. Nobody is going to hire Joe if he goes to a job interview with his pants hanging to his knees,” explained John Stamps, a Virginia school board member, in an address to teachers and parents concerning the new dress code for his school district.

Stamps school district is instituting a new dress code for fall 2009. Students will be required to wear a collared shirt, such as a polo shirt, khaki pants or skirts, and a belt. The new clothing will be available in basic blue, maroon, and white. Students can mix and match the 3 colors as they please.

Some school districts are implementing even more strident dress codes. In an effort to teach morals and responsibility one Tennessee school district required all male students to wear oxford shirts and blazers with khakis and a belt as of August 2008. (Female students did not have to wear a blazer but did have to follow similar uniform requirements). Many parents were outraged when the uniform code was implemented but as the year progressed the school district was able to show improved testing scores and fewer instances of violence and delinquency.