Much concern has been raised about violence in the public schools and about related issues such as the failure of the schools to teach, the growth of class and racial tensions in the schools, and so on. One solution that has been offered for many of these problems is school uniforms, sen in particular as a way of defusing tensions created by envy over the ability of some students to wear designer clothing, such as expensive sneakers, which have led to violence as certain of the have-nots in society have seen a chance to take from the haves. Another reason is that administrators and teachers see the primary purpose of school as learning and believe that clothing differences are only a distraction to students. At the elementary and intermediate school levels, students are not mature enough to understand the reason for clothing differences and for the ability of some students to dress better than others. In addition, anything which reduces tensions and stresses and increases the learning process should be considered and tested, and school uniforms are one such change that can be instituted.
LaFalce notes that when we send children to school, we expect them to learn and play with friends and return home happy. We expect that they will be safe at school: "We do not anticipate that they should worry about being beaten up or shot at for their sneakers or designer jacket, or bullied for their supposedly unfashionable clothes, or robbed of valuable personal effects and jewelry" (LaFalce). School uniforms are not a new idea and have long been used at Catholic and military schools, as well as at certain school districts across the country. More recently, school uniforms have been suggested as a way of reducing school violence, a cause taken up by President Clinton, Attorney General Janet Reno, and many school districts. Uniforms are seen as a way of promoting academics and school spirit and as a way to counter gang attire, suggestive ...