The school uniform debate has been an issue for educators, parents, and especially students for years.
Private schools often require students to wear school uniforms, while public schools are now starting to adopt uniform policies. While school uniforms are typically found in private schools, the year 1987 was when the first public school instituted a school uniform policy. In 1994, the Long Beach Unified School District in California adopted a mandatory uniform policy in some of its schools. While public school uniform use is not widespread, it is growing more and more.
According to a 2020 report, the percentage of public schools that required school uniforms jumped from 12% in the 1999-2000 school year to 20% in the 2017-18 year. Many experts claim that school uniforms simply are not effective as a means of changing student behavior or academic achievement, while others claim that uniforms reduce discipline problems and raise grades.
In my opinion, school uniforms – or at least public school uniforms – are unnecessary. Although there are plenty of pros and cons, the way I view it, the cons outweigh the pros.
For example, some claim that school uniforms deter crime and increase student safety, when in reality school uniforms do not stop bullying and can actually increase violent attacks. A study found that,
“school uniforms increased the average number of assaults by about 14 per year in the most violent schools.”
Another study from Texas Southern University found that school discipline incidents rose by about 12% after the introduction of school uniforms. It has also been proven that school uniforms do not improve attendance, academic preparedness, or exam results.
Interview Questions:
“What is your honest opinion on school uniforms?”
“How would you feel if you had to wear school uniforms?”
“Why do you think schools are starting to make school uniforms mandatory?”
“Do you think students will get less dress-coded using school uniforms?”
I interviewed three students from different schools about their opinion and thoughts on school uniforms. The first student I interviewed preferred to remain anonymous–she responded,
“I personally don’t like school uniforms because we should have a choice to express our styles and ourselves. I don’t mind if I have to wear school uniforms because it’d be easier to find an outfit in the morning.”
I also interviewed student Mariana from a school where they require to wear school uniforms. She said,
“I think schools are starting to make school uniforms mandatory because students get dress-coded and just don’t listen to the rules. I most definitely think students will get less dress-coded using uniforms, even though most don’t like wearing them.”
The third person I interviewed was student Dejay about the school uniform debate. When asked the questions, he said,
“I think that they are unnecessary because you don’t know if people are uncomfortable with it. I wouldn’t freak out that much if I had to wear uniforms because personally I probably won’t be uncomfortable.”
Overall, based on the opinions of the three students I interviewed along with my own, students themselves don’t think school uniforms are necessary. Whatever the reason may be, it’d be safe to say that many would prefer to go to school without having to worry about wearing a school uniform.