Violence has become a growing problem in the public schools. One proposed solution is mandatory school uniforms. In his 1996 State of the Union Address President Bill Clinton endorsed school uniforms stating that they would level the clothing playing field by diminishing wearing of gang-related items, reducing tensions between student groups, and enhancing school spirit and identification. Private schools use uniforms to designate school pride, but in the public schools the issue of whether or not school uniform policies violate a student's First Amendment right of free expression has been raised. In addition, young people have a need to express their individuality. The premise of the essay, however, is that uniforms should be mandatory in the public schools because they have a positive impact on the learning environment.
School uniforms reduce conflict over fashion that may stem from economic factors. Families with more money can afford to buy their children the latest, trendy fashions leading to feelings of envy and rivalry in others. Students who cannot afford to buy expensive clothes often feel inferior and like "outsiders." This can raise tensions and potential for violence. For those students whose families cannot readily afford money for uniforms, monies can be raised through donations from local businesses or state funds that provide uniforms for the economically disadvantaged.
The purpose of compulsory education is to give each child an education that will enable him or her to learn academic subjects and basic American values, and this can only be accomplished in a safe and disciplined learning environment. School uniforms eliminate clothes with gang colors or insignias or certain language, reducing gang violence. They also act to identify trespassers reducing violence caused by intruders. Uniforms reduce the theft of expensive designer clothes and sneakers, and jewelry. A safer environment will allow each child to ...