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Illustrated by Zachariah OhoraIn the 1999-2000 school year, only about 12 percent of U.S. public schools required their students to wear uniforms. Since then, the number of schools requiring uniforms has risen. Uniform policies are now in place at about a fifth of all public schools in the United States—but do school uniforms really level the playing field?
New research has called into question many of the central claims that encourage schools to adopt uniform policies.
UNIFORMS ARE COST-EFFECTIVE FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES.
Proponents of school uniforms often claim they eliminate the pressure on low-income families to purchase name-brand clothing. The reality is while middle-class families may find uniforms cheaper than purchasing high-end clothing, low-income families often don’t see it that way. Given today’s economic climate, many families rely on resale shops, hand-me-downs and charitable donations—all of which are cheaper than purchasing uniforms.
In post-Katrina Louisiana, access to uniforms is an ongoing concern. The New Orleans schools, like many across the country, don’t offer uniform subsidies. “Many of us are one paycheck away from being homeless,” said Roland McCoy, the father of a ninth-grade student. “Not everyone can afford uniforms.” He estimates a single uniform costs around $165.
UNIFORMS IMPROVE STUDENT BEHAVIOR.
Advocates of school uniforms will tell you that they keep students out of trouble, both in the classroom and off campus—but there is little proof, other than anecdotal evidence, that uniforms positively alter student behavior. In fact, studies illustrate the opposite.
A 2009 University of Houston study based on more than 10 years of data from a large urban district found an increase in disciplinary infractions within uniform schools, specifically for boys.
In schools with zero tolerance policies, uniforms provide another infraction possibility—one that, though seemingly minor, leads to more suspensions and more students pushed out of the system.
Strict uniform policies may also increase absenteeism, said Jerri Katzerman, deputy legal director for the Southern Poverty Law Center. “When forced to choose between sending a child to school in the wrong outfit—which guarantees suspension—or keeping that student home,” says Katzerman, “many parents choose the latter. Either way, it’s the child who loses out.”
UNIFORMS PREVENT CRIME AND VIOLENCE.
Principal Brett Butler of Kathleen Middle School in Lakeland, Fla., is one of many administrators who consider uniforms a critical school security measure. “When I look around campus, if I see someone not in a uniform, I can easily identify a person who may not belong here,” Butler told the Tampa Tribune.
Uniforms could increase a school’s ability to identify outsiders on campus, but they’re not a violence prevention measure. In 2008, the Consortium to Prevent School Violence concluded: “There is insufficient scientific evidence to endorse implementing school uniform programs as a school violence prevention strategy.”
UNIFORMS ESTABLISH A POSITIVE SCHOOL CULTURE.
Boston Public Schools do not assign detention, suspension or expulsion for uniform violations; instead they encourage student compliance through positive reinforcement and incentive methods. But that’s not always the case, said Boston English High School’s former headmaster Sito Narcisse: “Many schools focus on compliance first and not purpose first.”
New Orleans, for instance, runs a top-down, zero tolerance uniform policy. The 2010 report, Access Denied, by the Southern Poverty Law Center found that New Orleans schools used suspensions and expulsions as punishment for minor rule violations like uniforms.
These policies do the opposite of creating class-blind schools—lower-income and homeless families often see uniforms as just one more way to identify (and often punish) students who have less. “How is this helping?” asked New Orleans parent McCoy. “The kids feel even worse. They’re not focused, and their self-esteem is really, really low.”
>> Still considering a uniform policy for your school or district? Ask yourself the following questions.
>> Toolkit: Let your students weigh in on the debate over school uniforms.
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Comments
Dress code
My school district in Upstate NY has a dress code however a lot of students don't follow it. Girls seem to be the biggest problem with short skirts and shorts. Fingertip length is not followed as a rule. I think uniforms should be more mainstream. Makes it easier for kids and parents.
I disagree with most of what
I disagree with most of what you have stated. I lived in a low income, gang riddled community for a number of years. I organized parents and we got school uniforms.
Although it made it harder to identify gang members in the school, because the kids sure know who's who, it did indeed help with clothing rules at school.
I do not know where you received your information, it's wrong! Poor people can still obtain uniforms at thrift stores. Most schools maintain a clothes closets as well.
I do not agree what this particular school did to the students.
I disagree with most of the
I disagree with most of the facts in this article. I taught in a no uniform, inner city school and it was horrible! I spent so much time sending half dressed girls to the office so they could be sent home for appropriate clothing. I also spent a lot of time comforting the students who were constantly bullied because their outfits were not the latest style.
Now, we have uniforms. I have seen khaki and navy blue pants for as little as $5 a pair in several stores. Polo shirts can be almost as inexpensive. We provide secondhand uniforms for anyone who asks and the district provides uniform vouchers for the homeless. It is truly cheaper and better!
uniforms
My whole life I attended school with no uniform or much of a dress code (and I thought they were bad) until I found myself in Scotland in high school. To my surprise I really like wearing the uniform. You never had to worry about fashion or what you would wear. The uniform was not stringent (blue skirt/pants, blue/white blouse) You chose what fit into those guidelines, and most students did it because that was just how things were. The school never even bothered enforcing it- one particular student infringed just about every day, but everyone else stuck to it. The uniform was much less of a burden financially and did not enforce all that much conformity either. If uniforms are such a financial burden then schools should provide them. In a school I taught at, if a student did not meet dress code (shirt must cover belly button) the school had plenty of extra T-shirts they would lend you for the day. I think schools can make dress codes/uniforms work and address these issues rather than assuming uniforms are bad. The fashion pressures can be pretty extreme and no less financially a problem than uniforms can be. I also assure you that there is plenty of room for non-conformist dress no matter what the dress code (hair styles, shoelaces, etc- they will find it).
School Security
I love to hear administrators say that it allows them to see who belongs and doesn't on their campus. It's way easier to go buy a solid colored polo shirt and khaki pants to match the kids than to try to wear "normal" high schooler clothes. You can find the polos and pants basically any where!
Pros and Cons of School Uniforms
Thank you for your thoughtful article and the interesting remarks. When I was teaching I used the Scholastics Magazine. The format of the featured article included the pros and cons of the issue. After fourth grade class members read the article they shared their opinions and listened to each other. One student was firmly for uniforms because she thought it would cost less and eliminate the "style show" competition.
Dress Code
I am a senior at a Florida high school and although we do not have specific uniforms, we do have a dress code. I am not totally against this, however, one policy is the no hoodie rule. Students can not wear any shirts, sweaters, jackets, ect. with hoodies. Yes this may decrease the chance of violence when students can not cover their faces with hoodies but it is sad when low-income students can't afford these. Many jackets are not manufactured without hoodies so finding a low cost non-hoodie can be difficult. Students walk around school on freezing days with no jacket because of this rule and it truly is a shame.
A relaxed uniform policy is best
Here in Australia all the students wear uniforms. As a teacher and parent I feel a relaxed uniform policy is best. I can't imagine having to endure, every morning, the styling up sessions that happen on weekends. The community can be consulted about the style of uniform so that it is comfortable, not too expensive, and as stylish as possible. For most schools that means the usual outfit is a t-shirt and shorts. Style of shoes and colours of socks need not be policed too heavily. I feel it's more of a problem when there is pressure on girls to wear skirts. Parents need to be firm about these issues - cost and style and relaxed enforcement - particularly where school managers are attempting to create an impression of private school exclusivity with expensive, formal and rigidly enforced uniforms.
uniforms
White shirts and blue pants/skirts are a simple uniform, easily and inexpensively bought new or at a thrift shop. A uniform keeps gang signals through clothing at a minimum. It also prevents major, expensive clothing competition from happening. Extra uniforms in the principal's office help those who come to school without one on. Relaxed enforcement works in schools of poverty and privilege.
Uniform but not rigid
This seems like a good compromise. Kids get an idea about what is appropriate, for weather conditions and for school, without being burdened. Another good idea, from 6th grade or so on is to have a mandatory sewing class where kids make their own clothes for school. Knowing how to use a sewing machine seems to be a dying skill, but it's useful, especially in homes where there isn't much spare money. Knit and woven cotton or cotton/poly blends are comfortable and practical. Fleece can be made into casual jackets for schools where cold is an issue.
School Uniforms
Even though as a parent with no choice in the matter dressed my children in school mandatory dress code. Supposedly to prevent violence among youth. I have always "HATED" school uniforms as a parent and as a school employee. As a school employee in a inner city where everyone receives free lunch because of the poverty level most of the students are in I have seen: countless diciplinary actions toward students dealing with their clothing (that they dont buy; students have lost their freedom of choice; colorfull non uniform school clothes sales advertised on TV and circulars; the most upsetting to me is when schools have a "dress down day" (a day they don't have to wear dress code)and they have to pay $1. We should be teaching the proper way to wear clothes, how to dress for success, how to wash & iron your clothing, and enforce the original dress codes.I am glad to see studies show what I have always felt. Finally to me dress code is a way of institutionalizing children.
School uniforms
Years ago when my kids were in elementary school there was a group of parents, me included that thought uniforms would be a great idea for our school. One mother told me she would fight me tooth and nail if I tried to do that because she wanted her kids to wear their "cute" outfits!
My children later chose private school for middle school and high school. I had them write a list of pros and cons for public and private. They all have listed uniforms as a pro. You wake up and don't have to think about what to put on and what anyone will say about your outfit. I'm not sure why anyone is against it. It saves a small fortune in clothes shopping!
I wasn't sure why either....
....until I read the article.
No to Uniforms
I'm a teacher who despises the school uniform policy our county has adopted. My high school students resist it, despite having grown up with the uniform policy. Every day, EVERY day, is a battle. Because I have to enforce the rules, I'm seen as an enemy, as are all staff members. From the time students walk through our doors, they are harangued about dress code. If we slack up at all, the students take advantage, bringing the wrath of the Central Office on our heads. Our staff try their best to address dress code issues in a positive way, but to no avail. Instead of forging positive relationships with our students, we are creating a negative school climate. We seldom had dress code issues before uniforms went into effect. I sure wish we could have those days back so we could focus on more important things.
pick your battles
It sounds like your district's policy is damaging student/teacher relationships.
I wonder. Is this a district problem, parent problem, or both? If parents supported the policy, teachers wouldn't need to be the "bad guy".
Avoiding being the "enemy" for uniform enforcement
As a teacher, I quietly take the out-of-uniform student aside and gently ask the reason. If it is economic, I try my best to get financial aid or gently used uniforms to the the student. If otherwise, I whisper that the administration is on an enforcement tear, and to avoid trouble, get into uniform as soon as possible; meanwhile, avoid being seen by administrators. That way the students regard me, their teacher, as an ally, not as a clothing cop (a role that definately interferes with teaching!) --no name, please.
Creating a system of mistrust
While doing this may make you more approachable, it undermines the authority of the central office and makes them seem like the bad guys. Blame shifting doesn't help anyone. You should talk about the rationale behind the policy and continue to approach them privately and with compassion. Throwing your administration under the bus is a disservice to them and to your profession.
Administration IS the problem
This is a free country. Uniforms are not real life. I agree that parents need to be on the same page. But, administration and teachers are NOT equals - so not at all a fair comparison. If a teacher is forced to enforce a rule that is disruptive to the job of teaching - that is an administrative problem - one the administration created. I believe in civil disobedience - and I agree with disobeying a stupid rule that takes up valuable time and makes kids feel bad about themselves. When my spouse switched from teaching to a staff position, the new job required a tie and no shorts. He had taught for 12 years wearing shorts and no tie. Suddenly, when he got a back office IT job, he was required to wear one or lose his job - emphatically - with absolutely no reason for it. So, slowly, over time, he made reasons why he couldn't wear a tie that day (like had to move computers and it was a safety issue) or why he needed to "dress down" (had to crawl on the floor to run wires). Slowly, he won at least a day or two a week where he didn't have to wear a stupid tie to impress the computers he was working on or the people he had grown up with and worked with for years! Stupid rules deserve to be broken! And, dress codes should be voted on by teachers, kids, and parents - not dictated by the administration or board.
Good Reminder
Students, like children at home, need to know teachers and administrators agree with and support each other. Kids become confused when mom and dad position themselves against the other, same with the school climate. Thanks for that reminder. Signed, A Teacher