Should You Have to Wear A School Uniform? - News Debate

Current Events, March 18, 1996

In issue 3, CE told you of nationwide efforts to put public-school kids in uniforms. Since then, the debate about school uniforms has heated up significantly. Read on for a debate update!

At this time, your thoughts might be turning to summer vacation. But many kids are already worrying about next school year. In particular, they're worrying about what they'll wear to class in the fall.

Why the early fashion crisis? Because a move back to school uniforms is sweeping the country. Now, President Clinton is calling on schools to require students to wear uniforms. The result? A record number of kids could hit the books in the fall wearing navy blue blazers and white button-down shirts.

The uniform movement began nearly four years ago, when Long Beach, Calif., became the nation's first public-school district to require elementary- and middle-school students to wear uniforms. Since then, public schools from coast to coast have followed suit.

Officials give many reasons for adopting uniforms:

* Higher self-esteem. Kids seem happier when they don't feel outclassed by a classmate's fancy clothes.

* Greater focus on learning. When the emphasis is off fashion, students focus on learning--and get better grades.

* Fewer behavioral troubles. Uniforms can cut back on gang wars, which often start when two kids wearing identifying colors of opposing gangs clash. Schools with uniform policies also report fewer suspensions and acts of vandalism. (See graph, page 4.)

White House Joins Debate

President Clinton, who agrees that uniforms will cut down on school violence, has ordered the government to send manuals offering legal advice on how to adopt uniform policies to public schools nationwide.

Still, many kids oppose uniforms. Those kids say they need to be able to dress as they choose to express their individuality. A rights group, the American Civil Liberties Union has vowed to help any who challenge the rules in court.

Take Action!

Do you have an opinion about uniforms? Write a letter to your principal or local school board saying whether you think your school should adopt a uniform policy.