Uniforms Debate Preparation

Introduction
Recent studies show that school uniforms have a great impact on the students school
experience. It not only prevents bullying, which is a big problem in most schools, but it
also shows children discipline and contributes for the students focus during class time.
By this, we believe that uniforms should be an obligation for all schools. (Joo)

According to proponents, school uniforms:

Help prevent gangs from forming on campus
Encourage discipline
Help students resist peer pressure to buy trendy clothes
Help identify intruders in the school
Diminish economic and social barriers between students
Increase a sense of belonging and school pride
Improve attendance
It is my opinion that school is in the 'business' of learning. School is the place
where the next lawyers, bankers, CPA's and Doctors are given the
fundamentals of working in this economy. One of the basics of our culture in the
working world is conservative dressing, dress code, or even uniforms. What is
wrong with sending our kids the message that they are in 'the business of
learning' by assigning a uniform?

Mafalda

Why do some public schools have uniforms?

In the 1980s, public schools were often compared unfavorably to Catholic schools.
Noting the perceived benefit that uniforms conferred upon Catholic schools, some
public schools decided to adopt a school uniform policy.
President Clinton provided momentum to the school uniform movement when he said
in his 1996 State of the Union speech, "If it means teenagers will stop killing each other
over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students
to wear school uniforms."
A 2005 study, on the other hand, indicates that in some Ohio high schools
uniforms may have improved graduation and attendance rates.

What research says about school uniforms?

Virginia Draa, assistant professor at Youngstown State University, reviewed
attendance, graduation and proficiency pass rates at 64 public high schools in Ohio.
Her final analysis surprised her: "I really went into this thinking uniforms don't make a
difference, but I came away seeing that they do. At least at these schools, they do. I
was absolutely floored."
Draa's study concluded that those schools with uniform policies improved in
attendance, graduation and suspension rates. She was unable to connect uniforms
with academic improvement because of such complicating factors as changing
instructional methods and curriculum.

Gabriela

School Uniforms should be mandatory. It creates a serious academic learning

environment. I believe school uniforms are a great idea. Think of this way. When you
wear a school uniform, someone cant classify you from the poor class or rich class and
so by wearing uniforms no one will get teased about their designer clothes. It sets the
social class equal. It also makes a professional look and in addition saves family some
money. It gives a nicer and smart elegant look. Also uniforms prepare students for the
real world to get ready for their future careers. Indeed it saves a lot of time. Parents
are always spending clothes on their child so they can fit in and for them not to get
bullied in school. They are always spending clothes on the newest fashion trend for
their children. Now if schools integrate uniforms there wont be this issue. Parents
wont have to worry about wasting money and students about being bullied in this
aspect. So there will be less bullying going around and kids getting better grades.

Joo

Daniel

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5: School Spirit
Many experts believe that when the entire student body is dressed in uniforms, they
develop a stronger team mentality. When they are all dressed alike, their all-for-oneand-one-for-all mentality is boosted.

6: Identification of students
Uniforms will make it easier to identify those who are not from the school and therefore
increase security/safety.