School Uniform Controversy

Words: 648
Pages: 3

Traditionally favored by private schools, many U.S. public schools are rapidly adopting uniform policies. In the 2009-2010 school year, 19 percent of public schools reported requiring uniforms. Since then, that percentage rose by 4 percent. As of 2017, 23 percent of schools across the United States require a uniform policy (“School Uniform Statistics” 1). Today, many people are conflicted as to whether school uniforms are helping or hindering the students. The controversy regarding school uniforms is so strong that it may be distracting students from their education. Clothing choices are a crucial form of self-expression, and requiring a uniform destroys that opportunity for young students. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution …show more content…
No clothing item can silence a voice. The First Amendment is argued to still be intact due to the fact that students still have free speech. School uniforms are only required during campus hours. Students are free to wear whatever they wish after school. Jack Sanders expressed his thoughts in an article “Do Uniforms Stop Us From Expressing Our Individuality?” and said “We are all forced to wear a school uniform even if it’s ugly. But if we get to choose what we wear, it might offend someone or we might be judged. We have the weekend to wear what we want,” (1). Also, many argue that students can customize their uniforms in their own style to show off their individuality. The Seventeen and Teen Vogue websites list multiple suggestions on how to personalize a school uniform. These websites include different hairstyles, makeup use and nail polish. The websites also include the addition of colorful accessories such as satchels, scarves, and socks. Students can even customize their backpacks. Individuals who push for uniforms insist that expressing individuality stretches far beyond clothing. Students have multiple opportunities to be themselves through hobbies such as art, music, sports, and writing. School uniforms can not change someone’s