There are many strong opinions about dress codes in public schools. Some students like a dress code because they feel it helps them all have equality and others feel a dress code takes away their right to personal expression. Is freedom of fashion an inalienable right for teenagers? Do dress codes add decorum to a school and boost academic achievement?
School Uniform Mandates
The National Association of Elementary School Principals reports that “10 % of public schools have uniform mandates.” They add: “Benefits include a “focus on learning, and reduction of violence on campus.” Disadvantages include: “denial of self expression and harm to the transition to adulthood.”
Teenagers who Dislike Uniforms
Some teenagers like to express their personalities with their clothing. They like to wear clothing that shouts out who they are and what their hobbies are. Surfer attire and football jerseys clearly tell people that a teenager has strong feelings about their hobbies. Teenagers like to feel part of a crowd also; dressing in attire that links them to a certain “sub-culture" of the school makes them feel like they belong.
For some students a dress code robs them of a chance to figure out who they are. By wearing a certain kind of attire, for example Goth clothing or colored hair, they may tell the world that they are a creative type. When they get bored with that look they may switch to a look that tells the world they are a different type of person. Students use many tools, such as wardrobe and appearance, to test out the world’s reaction to the person they want to be. A future art major in college would probably be very unhappy in high school with a wardrobe limited to only 2 basic, solid colors.
Students who Like Uniforms
For some students however, a dress code simplifies everything. It takes the decision making process away; every day they know they just have to wear some variation of the school uniform. They may feel most comfortable with everyone looking the same; this makes it easier to blend with all types of students without feeling out of place.
Some students may like uniforms as well because they eliminate the need to “compete” to be the best dressed or have the most expensive clothes. School uniforms take away the competitive fashion atmosphere that exists in many schools. For students that just want to focus on academics, school uniforms may make high school a much more enjoyable learning experience.
The View from the Front of the Class
Every teacher has probably had the experience of having to ask a student to step out to the hallway to discuss the extremely inappropriate wording on a t-shirt. Some kids dress to amuse, other kids dress to shock. There are now t-shirts available with every foul word you can imagine and pithy phrases that cause a gasp when an adult sees them. Even the most open minded teacher reaches a limit when t-shirts refer to sexual acts; contain obscene words or gestures, or other wording that is inappropriate for school. Freedom of expression is great. However, there will always be students who take it too far.
It is a very amusing part of teaching though to see the kids who dress to amuse. Odd color combos, amusing slogans on shirts, and other “creative” attire adds a sense of whimsy to the classroom. Whether that is a good or bad thing, who knows? It is sometimes the brightest kids, with the most astonishing academic achievements who like to dress in a rather whimsical fashion.
Sources: My teaching career and http://www.Publicschoolreview.com/articles/16
