In 1999, the New York City public school system began enforcing a mandatory uniform policy in its more than 670 elementary schools. (Knowles, 2000) In light of this, I think it is relevant to examine the various arguments presented by both sides in this debate.

In America wearing uniforms in public school got a push from President Clinton in his 1996 State of the Union address. (Evans, 1996) President Clinton believed that wearing uniforms was a necessary step to help decrease violence in our schools. This came in the wake of increasing incidents of student violence and theft because of designer clothing being worn to school.

According to the “Manual on School Uniforms”, from the United States Department of Education there are five potential benefits of school uniforms. Firstly, they believe that school uniforms will decrease violence and theft. The second potential benefit

Scientific research regarding these claims is beginning to appear. In “The Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Use, and Academic Achievement” the authors, David Brunsma and Kerry Rockquemore, used data that was obtained from tenth grade students. They used this data to test the claims made by uniform advocates. They found “student uniforms have no direct effect on substance abuse, behavioral problems or attendance”. (Brunsma and Rockquemore, 1998) In fact, the study found that there was a negative effect on academic achievement when students were forced to wear uniforms. The researchers did find that uniforms fostered academic preparedness, proschool attitudes and peers having proschool attitudes. They concluded “that uniform policies may indirectly affect school environment and students outcomes by providing a visible and public symbol of commitment to school improvement and reform”. (Brunsma and Rockquemore, 1998)

Another argument used by opponents of school uniforms centers around the way uniforms look. Parents and students find that uniforms are generally ugly and impractical. Girls in particular complain about being forced to wear dresses and skirts. They argue that pants are more practical and warmer in the winter. (Public Debate, 2000) Some people believe that because the uniform manufacturers have a captive audience they do not make the clothes very well. They often use inferior materials and designs in the production of uniforms. (Public Debate, 2000)

Proponents of uniforms believe that wearing uniforms will reduce the number of gangs in schools. Gang members usually wear something that identifies them as a gang member. The theory behind

Some topics in this essay:
Public Debate, Brunsma Rockquemore, Department Education, , President Clinton, York City, Kerry Rockquemore, wearing uniforms, School Uniforms, school uniforms, wear uniforms, proponents uniforms, public debate, debate 2000, public debate 2000, believe uniforms, proponents uniforms believe, uniforms believe, Academic Achievement”, 2000 proponents uniforms, knowles 2000, uniforms argue, uniforms believe uniforms, 2000 people believe,