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In more traditional or conservative settings, students are usually expected to come to school in uniforms. But these days, uniforms in schools have become a widely debated topic. Today, there are many people who are against school uniforms for different yet valid reasons.
The author of this sample essay explains why students should not wear uniforms in school. She takes off from her own experience and champions the feelings of teenagers like herself.
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Reasons Why Students Shouldn’t Wear School Uniforms
Before entering a public high school, I spent a few years studying in a private academy for young women where we were required to be in uniform every day. While I didn’t particularly mind the design of our particular school uniform, I generally felt restricted wearing them. I understand that there is a safety and conformity aspect to it, but it didn’t take away the internal struggle I felt wearing the exact same thing every day.
I know that a lot of my friends felt the same way. No one spoke of this to teachers, but it was a private conversation amongst ourselves. We would look at other kids who wore what they wanted to school and felt envious. We wish we had the same privilege as them. Thankfully, I now go to a school where there is no uniform policy.
In this essay, I would like to share why wearing school uniforms is an outdated and restricting policy that schools should rethink.
School uniforms deprive students of the opportunity to abide by a general dress code
When schools don’t require uniforms, it means that they would have to impose a general dress code that all students would have to abide by. This then turns over the responsibility to them to wisely choose outfits that would adhere to the rules and regulations of the institution. Allowing students to filter out their wardrobe is a good way of meeting in the middle: the school still gets to lay down appropriate boundaries for physical appearance, while students are at least able to wear something that they like.
Wearing regular clothes promotes freedom of expression
There is nothing more important for a young person than self-expression. When the school creates a safe space for them to flaunt their own style without violating the values of the institution, they will be more relaxed and happier in class. Personal expression is a fundamental right according to the First Amendment, so allowing students to wear items of clothing that resonate with who they are enabling them to feel heard, and not feel policed. Putting on the same clothes that they aren’t happy with each day can be suffocating and doesn’t really help strengthen school spirit.
Wearing a uniform comes at an extra cost
It goes without saying that having to buy a set of school uniforms every time you outgrow them tacks on an unnecessary expense to families who are already struggling to make ends meet. It is a waste of money as the amount being spent on this time after time can be reallocated to other school expenses, such as books, supplementary materials, and so much more. Clothing expenses have a significant effect on the family’s budget, and this may be a big deal for parents who don’t have a lot to spare because of their low income.
Wearing school uniforms doesn’t respect different body types
Students come in all shapes and sizes, and one uniform design cannot cater to all these. While this seems like such a shallow thought, think again and reflect on how an ill-fitting or unflattering uniform can affect self-image. When kids wear school uniforms that they are not comfortable in, to begin with, it destroys their confidence and self-esteem, and they don’t feel secure enough to interact with other students for fear of being judged. This is true in many schools, even in public schools where wearing a uniform is required.
Wearing uniforms doesn’t help students prepare for varying weather conditions
Sometimes, it is just a case of throwing on a jacket or layering your scarves, but in the case of extreme weather, most students would find it difficult to dress appropriately when they are already uncomfortable to begin with. Going to school wearing layer upon layer of clothing would mean having to carry a bulk of additional items when you remove them in the classroom.
A school uniform is not an ultimate symbol of discipline or a reflection of the education being offered
For some schools, dress codes are a prestigious way of informing watching parents that they are able to maintain discipline among the student body. At the same time, there is a preconceived notion or false idea that an institution where students wear uniforms must be a highly-coveted one, and that those who go there must receive top-quality education as opposed to other schools. The truth is that what is being worn has nothing to do with the caliber of the education or the level of discipline imposed on the students.
Conclusion: Let children express themselves safely and appropriately
One reason why so many academic leaders are wary of removing the uniform policy in their schools is that many kids will go wild with their fashion choices. They are nervous that the name of the academy will be tarnished if a student was to be publicly seen in their territory dressed inappropriately. So for them, the best way to avoid situations like this is to prevent students from independently choosing their school wardrobe. It would also be easier to identify them in groups if they were dressed in the same clothes, which would give teachers peace of mind for when they are out on field trips.
But the truth is that when you require students to wear a school uniform that is also expensive, you are actually stifling their freedom to express themselves and be proud of their sense of style. By enabling them to choose their own clothes, you don’t just help them feel more comfortable around other children. You also aid in the student’s transition to society by giving him or her early responsibility for his or her clothing choices. By choosing not to control their outfits, you are allowing them to learn to take ownership of their decisions, which will help them become a good member of their community one day.
I propose that instead of a uniform policy, a general dress code would be implemented where both the students and students’ parents would agree to collaborate. Instead of pushing kids to wear uniforms, families would be encouraged to help kids form a capsule wardrobe out of the things that they already own. Schools can get creative by even occasionally imposing an easy theme to follow, such as a uniform color, a fun accessory, or a conversation piece that could be in partnership with a specific class, lesson, or holiday.
In this manner, students would still be wearing the same “theme,” and be able to enjoy a form of self-expression. They would have freedom within a reasonable guideline and they might just enjoy the process of putting together their everyday outfits.
Ultimately, I believe that there is a safe, healthy, and fun way to champion freedom of expression while adding value to the name and reputation of the school. At the same time, regular clothes promote healthy self-esteem and a chance to learn ownership and accountability early on. We should have faith that children would be able to understand the importance of general dress codes without abusing them.