150 Facts for Research Project

Meghan Bonham

Red Ink = GQ 1 Yellow Ink = GQ 2 Green Ink = GQ 3 Blue Ink = GQ 4 Purple Ink = GQ 5

What is the purpose?

What are the disadvantages?

What are some fun facts about uniforms?

Will uniforms take away individuality?

Will uniforms stop bullying?

1. School uniforms restrict freedom of expression. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

2. The First Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees that all individuals have the right to express themselves freely. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

3. The US Supreme Court stated in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (7-2, 1969) that "it can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

4. Clothing choices are "a crucial form of self-expression," according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, which also stated that "allowing students to choose their clothing is an empowering message from the schools that a student is a maturing person who is entitled to the most basic self-determination." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

5. In Oct. 2013, students at Friendly High School in Prince George's County, MD, were not allowed to wear pink shirts to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a result, 75 students received in-school suspensions for breaking the school's uniform restrictions. (http://school-uniforms.p rocon.org/ )

6. At a time when schools are encouraging an appreciation of diversity, enforcing standardized dress sends a contradictory message. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

7. Chicago junior high school student Kyler Sumter wrote in the Huffington Post: "They decide to teach us about people like Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony and Booker T. Washington... We learn about how these people expressed themselves and conquered and we can't even express ourselves in the hallways." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

8. Troy Shuman, a senior in Harford County, MD, said the introduction of a mandatory uniform policy to his school would be "teaching conformity and squelching individual thought. Just think of prisons and gangs. The ultimate socializer to crush rebellion is conformity in appearance. If a school system starts at clothes, where does it end?" (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

9. Late satirist George Carlin asked, "Don't these schools do enough damage, making all these children think alike? Now they're gonna get them to look alike, too?" (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

10. There is evidence that school uniforms may increase violent attacks and lower academic achievement, while there is little evidence that uniforms provide any benefits at all. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

11. A 2007 peer-reviewed study found that "school uniforms increased the average number of assaults by about 14 [per year] in the most violent schools." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

12. A 1999 Texas Southern University study found that school discipline incidents rose by about 12% after the introduction of uniforms. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

13. According to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Office of Education Evaluation and Management, fights in middle schools nearly doubled within one year of introducing mandatory uniforms. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

14. David L. Brunsma, PhD, Professor of Sociology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) found a "negative effect of uniforms on academic achievement," and later found that uniforms were equally ineffective on elementary students and eighth graders. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

15. A 2009 peer-reviewed study found "no significant effects of school uniforms on performance on second grade reading and mathematics examinations, as well as on 10th-grade reading, mathematics, science, and history examinations... [I]n many of the specifications, the results are actually negative." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

16. The key findings used to tout the benefits of uniforms are questionable. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

17. The oft-quoted improvements to school safety and student behavior in the Long Beach (CA) Unified School District from 1993-1995 may not have resulted from the introduction of school uniforms. The study in which the findings were published cautioned that "it is not clear that these results are entirely attributable to the uniform policy" and suggests that the introduction of new school security measures made at the same time may have been partly responsible. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

18. Other reform efforts implemented alongside the uniform policy included a $1 million project to develop alternative teaching strategies. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

19. Uniforms may have a detrimental effect on students' self-image. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

20. When students have to wear the same outfits, rather than being allowed to select clothes that suit their body types, they can suffer embarrassment at school. Child and teen development specialist Robyn Silverman told NBC News' Today that students, especially girls, tend to compare how each other looks in their uniforms: "As a body image expert, I hear from students all the time that they feel it allows for a lot of comparison... So if you have a body that’s a plus-size body, a curvier body, a very tall body, a very short body, those girls often feel that they don’t look their best." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

21. A 2003 study by researchers at Arizona State University found that "students from schools without uniforms reported higher self-perception scores than students from schools with uniform policies." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

22. Some students also find uniforms less comfortable than their regular clothes, which may not be conducive to learning. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

23. School uniforms promote conformity over individuality. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

24. The push for school uniforms is driven by commercial interests rather than educational ones. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

25. Americans spend around $1 billion on school uniforms every year. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

26. Retailer J.C. Penney Co. says school uniforms are "a huge, important business for us." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

27. In 2003 alone, uniform company Lands' End spent $3 million on marketing efforts directed at public schools and districts. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

28. Multiple studies used to promote the effectiveness of uniforms were partly funded by Lands' End, and at least one of those studies is "so wholly flawed as to render itself useless," according to David L. Brunsma, PhD. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

29. In Aug. 2013, Reuters reported that retailers were "sensing their opportunity... stepping up competition in the uniform aisles and online. Walmart has set up 'uniform shops' or temporary boutiques within some stores." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

30. One of the founders of the Wilson County (LA) Parents Coalition, Richard Dashkovitz, stated: "It's time we let the government know that we are fed up with this. Quit dictating to us what my child should wear... (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

31. School uniforms in public schools undermine the promise of a free education by imposing an extra expense on families. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

32. Parents already pay taxes, and they still need to buy regular clothes for their children to wear when they're out of school and for dress-down days. The parent of a third grader told Education World: "My son's an unusual size, so it's hard to find him clothes anyway. Limiting what I buy to certain colors makes shopping for him... more expensive." (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

33. Anderson, IN parents Laura and Scott Bell, who sued over a school's uniform policy because it broke the guarantee of a free public education (and because it violated their children's right to freedom of expression) said they were required to pay $641 for their children's uniforms in Aug. 2007. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

34. In York County, PA, a local NBC affiliate reported in Sep. 2014 that some children were missing class because their families couldn't afford to purchase the required uniforms. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

35. School uniforms may delay the transition into adulthood. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

36. Adults make their own clothing choices and have the freedom to express themselves through their appearance. Denying children and teenagers the opportunity to make those choices may make them ill-prepared for the adult world. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

37. Adolescents see clothing choices as a means of identification, and seeking an identity is one of the critical stages of adolescence, according to the late developmental psychologist Erik Erikson. (http://school-uniforms.procon.org/)

38. Make students a target for bullies from other schools. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

39. An unfair additional expense for parents who pay taxes for a free public education. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

40. A financial burden for poor families. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

41. Help prevent gangs from forming on campus. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

42. Encourage discipline. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

43. Help students resist peer pressure to buy trendy clothes. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

44. Help identify intruders in the school. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

45. Diminish economic and social barriers between students. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school /defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs )

46. Increase a sense of belonging and school pride. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

47. Improve attendance. (http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs)

48. Naturally, this should match the laws regarding public indecency (although those could be challenged as well). However, provided the students are not violating such laws, it would seem

reasonable to not impose on their liberty. Unless, of course, the harm done by specific attire would morally warrant imposing on the liberty of the students. This takes me to the second reason. (http://blog.talkingphilosophy.com/?p=4715)

49. We were allowed to wear green tights under our skirts in the winter. K-Mart was the only place I could find them. When I came to school with my tights on, another girl asked where I got them. When I told her, she laughed at me and said she would wait until a more upscale store started selling them. I laughed and said “have fun freezing!” By that point, I was so used to people looking at me funny because of my hair style and taste in music that it didn’t really phase me anymore. (http://www.ourfamilyworld.com/2014/05/05/public-school-uniforms-prevent-bullying/)

50. We all wore different shoe brands. We all carried different backpacks. We all had different binders, pencils, pens, notebooks, etc. When kids can’t pick on another student’s choice of shirt style, they’ll look for something else. A bully who wants to poke fun will find a way to do it. Unless every child is exactly the same right down to hair and eye color, there will be something to single out. (http://www.ourfamilyworld.com/2014/05/05/public-school-uniforms-prevent-bullying/)

51. Pushing school uniforms to prevent bullying sends a poor message to kids. (http://www.ourfamilyworld.com/2014/05/05/public-school-uniforms-prevent-bullying/)

52. One thing that really bothers me about the idea that school uniforms prevent bullying is that it sends a message to kids that being different is a bad thing. It tells them that rather than fight bullying on a deeper level, we’ll just throw a Band-Aid on it by making every child look similar. (http://www.ourfamilyworld.com/2014/05/05/public-school-uniforms-prevent-bullying/)

53. Parents, teachers and kids working together through bullying prevention programs and ongoing dialogue are the only ways to really put a stop to it.(http://www.ourfamilyworld.com/2014/05/05/public-school-uniforms-prevent-bullying/)

54. Public schools should not have uniforms because it can go against a student’s first amendment rights. (http://www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us/education/components/board/default.php?sectiondetailid=20257&threadid=10117)

55. It is a law that children must attend school. However, it is also a law that Americans have the right to freedom of speech. This means students should have a right to wear what they choose, within reason. (http://www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us/education/components/board/default.php?sectiondetailid=20257&threadid=10117)

56. According to an article on Opposing Viewpoints, some public school districts that have established school uniforms and dress codes have been taken to court. “Generally, though not always, the courts rule in favor of a student’s right to free speech in cases where students have violated dress codes.(http://www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us/education/components/board/default.php?sectiondetailid=20257&threadid=10117)

57. A student has a right to free speech, therefore students have the right to wear what they choose which means the school district cannot make them wear a uniform. (http://www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us/education/components/board/default.php?sectiondetailid=20257&threadid=10117)

58. School uniforms should not be permitted in public schools is because they are ineffective towards education. (http://www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us/education/components/board/default.php?sectiondetailid=20257&threadid=10117)

59. The job of a school district is to prepare their students for college and the work force. It is their job to provide students with the curriculum and the materials that need to become successful in the world. It is not their job to tell their students what they can and cannot wear. That is the job of the students’ parents (http://www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us/education/components/board/default.php?sectiondetailid=20257&threadid=10117)

60. Most parents send their kids to public school because they cannot afford to send them to private school. This means they are not able to or do not want to spend more than they are required to for their child’s education. "Some parents also argue that uniforms should not be mandated in public schools, which are supposed to be free" (http://www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us/education/components/board/default.php?sectiondetailid=20257&thre

61. “Overall, there is no evidence in bullying literature that supports a reduction in violence due to school uniforms,” says Tony Volk, an associate professor Brock University researcher who has done extensive research on bullying, “Bullies are smart. They will just find some other way to show status. Who has the best iPod, who has the most games at home, who went on the biggest vacation. If kids want to pick on someone about how rich or how poor they are, clothes are one obvious symbol but there are a lot of other obvious ways for them to do it.” (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

62. Volk said research also shows school uniforms do little to increase academic performance in schools. “Some people have the mistaken belief that it’s associated with more discipline, when it really isn’t. Putting on a set of clothes doesn’t change a child. (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

63. York University psychology professor and bullying researcher Debra Peplar agrees there is little evidence to suggest uniforms curb bullying. She is a member of PREVNet, a national network of Canadian researchers, non-governmental organizations and governments committed to stop bullying. “I know of no research to support this,” she said in an e-mail, “We conducted research in independent and publicly funded schools and there were few differences in rates of bullying and victimization. We didn’t publish the data separately for type of school because there were no differences.” (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

64. Bullying is a very complex problem and there is not a single solution that will solve it.. besides.. we understand bullying as a relationship problem that requires relationship solutions.. this is not a solution that will change the quality of relationships in the schools. (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

65. Volk, who has a child in the Niagara Catholic school system, said the board would be better off focusing its efforts elsewhere if its goal is to prevent bullying. “If the school board was serious about reducing bullying, it should do a study and use methods that work rather than school uniforms,” he said. (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

66. Notre Dame Catholic High School student Michael Dube said he thinks despite the research, kids are bullied over what they wear at school. It won’t be an issue for younger children, but as they reach Grades 6, 7 and 8 it will play a role, he said. (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

67. However, Dube said he’s not happy with entrenching school rules about tattoos, piercings and hair dye into board policy. The board has said the items are distracting and take away from the learning environment in the classroom. “I think it’s ridiculous,” he said. “It’s not going to change the learning environment.” (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

68. Dube said a friend of his who has an eyebrow ring is sent home regularly. “If anything, what’s taking something away from the learning environment is that she gets sent home every day to take it out.” (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

69. Volk said clamping down on students’ freedom to express themselves sets a poor precedent and might inspire rebellious attitudes in students who might have otherwise been content with the system. “I think all kids respond best to rules and punishments that have a good reason behind them,” he said. “When there isn’t a good reason behind and you’re basically saying conform because we want you to conform, then that is not a good message.”(http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

70. Some schools regarded uniforms as the magic pill that would not only help students to focus on their studies instead of what their peers were wearing, but they believed that school uniforms would cut back violence in intercity schools by keeping rival students out of the school simply by the fact that they would not be dressed in uniform and easy to spot on or around school property. (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

71. The strongest arguments are that school uniforms, at best, can reduce disciplinary problems but have no direct correlation to decreasing school violence. Continued violence in Chicago’s intercity schools where uniforms are work is a prime example that uniforms are little more than

a way to identify which school a violent student attends. (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

72. The reality of intercity schools, however, and the violence that besieges many students is that these children are surrounded with violence outside of the school and it is often a transfer of the outside conditions to the inside of the school that causes the violence, not clothing conditions. (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

73. So, while school uniforms may work to put down some unfavorable conditions that can spark violence in intercity schools, it is the conditions beyond the school that must be examined more closely when it comes to intercity children and some of the violent tendencies they exhibit. (http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/03/14/uniforms-wont-stop-school-bullies-experts-say)

74. Child and teen development specialist Robyn Silverman said uniforms aren’t always the answer. “At a time where teens and preteens want to express themselves, clothes provide a vehicle, a benign vehicle, to allow them to express themselves and say, ‘I’m different,’ without having to approach more risky ways of saying the same thing,” she said. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

75. “As a body image expert, I hear from students all the time that they feel it allows for a lot of comparison,” Silverman said. “So if you have a body that’s a plus-size body, a curvier body, a very tall body, a very short body, those girls often feel that they don’t look their best,” she said, and that can be detrimental to learning. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

76. Students have less time to prepare and get ready for school in the morning. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

77. Uniforms detract the student’s individuality. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

78. Schools must be the place where diversity is observed. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

79. The cost of school uniforms is prohibitive, especially when a family has more them one school aged child. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

80. School uniforms are a financial burden to low income families. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

81. A child wearing uniform can be the target for bullying of students from different schools. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

82. Uniforms can decrease the child’s comfort level and attentiveness while attending lessons. (http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

83. Enforcing rules to wearing school uniforms is extremely difficult, especially to public schools.(http://www.today.com/parents/are-school-uniforms-helping-or-hindering-6C10945768)

84. The opponents of public school uniforms, as outlined by the ACLU’s argument for the First Amendment, argue that uniforms stifle a student’s need for self-expression. By denying students the opportunity to fully express their unique personality through the clothing they select, individualism is unable to develop to its fullest capacity. (http://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/public-school-uniforms-the-pros-and-cons-for-your-child)

85. When children select their own clothing, they are able to develop confidence and independence, characteristics vital to personality development and adult success. Denying students the ability to express individualism and belief in a sub-culture, whether preppy, hip-hop, punk, or jock, could stymie the students’ transition from childhood into adulthood. (http://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/public-school-uniforms-the-pros-and-cons-for-your-child)

86. Proponents of uniforms argue that they will bring conformity among students, resulting in increased safety, but when students are limited through what they may wear, they will find other ways to react against authority and the limits uniform policies place on their individual nature. (http://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/public-school-uniforms-the-pros-and-cons-for-your-child)

87. Without the outlet of expression in their clothes, students may turn to other avenues of self-expression that may be viewed as even more inappropriate than clothing, such as nontraditional hair styles or make-up or more importantly, acting out against school and parental authority through the decisions they make and behaviors they exhibit. (http://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/public-school-uniforms-the-pros-and-cons-for-your-child)

88. Opponents argue that uniforms may not be comfortable for all students, which will limit learning as students worry about their appearance. Student comfort is important in order to maximize learning outcomes, and uniforms may stymie academic focus. For example, the uniform standard may require students to wear polo shirts that are tucked into khaki slacks. Students who are overweight may feel very self-conscious about their bodies. Additionally, female students may feel insecure about their bodies and feel that having a tucked in shirt will bring attention to their developing figures. (http://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/public-school-uniforms-the-pros-and-cons-for-your-child)

89. When students do not feel comfortable in the required school uniform, their focus will shift from learning. Children, especially those in middle and high school, are constantly concerned about their appearance, and wearing a school uniform will not alleviate this concern. (http://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/public-school-uniforms-the-pros-and-cons-for-your-child)

90. Kids and teens use they way they dress to express themselves and to identify with certain social groups. Many students who are against school uniforms argue that they lose their self identity

when they lose their right to express themselves through fashion. (http://kidsfashion.about.com/od/doityourselfstyles/tp/The-Arguments-Against-School-Uniforms.htm)

91. Also, many school have several uniforms such as everyday uniforms, formal uniforms for special occasions and yet another uniform for P.E. Many parents argue that buying all these uniforms for all their kids every fall is hard on the family budget. (http://kidsfashion.about.com/od/doityourselfstyles/tp/The-Arguments-Against-School-Uniforms.htm)

92. Kids are very specific about what they are comfortable wearing. Some kids are sensitive to certain materials while others are opposed to buttons, zippers and restrictive clothing. Some children are also uncomfortable wearing certain styles of clothing. Many girls, for example, do not like to wear skirts or dresses, which most girls' uniforms require. No uniform can suit all children. (http://kidsfashion.about.com/od/doityourselfstyles/tp/The-Arguments-Against-School-Uniforms.htm)

93. Sometimes it's hard to know exactly what uniform parts need to be washed, dried and ironed the night before. (http://kidsfashion.about.com/od/doityourselfstyles/tp/The-Arguments-Against-School-Uniforms.htm)

94. You could spend a morning scrambling to find a tie or a blazer that was required for an event. (http://kidsfashion.about.com/od/doityourselfstyles/tp/The-Arguments-Against-School-Uniforms.htm)

95. "Why bother?" is possibly the most common argument against school uniforms. Many educators and parents just don't see the point in switching over to uniforms, especially in American public schools where uniforms are still the exception and not the rule. (http://kidsfashion.about.com/od/doityourselfstyles/tp/The-Arguments-Against-School-Uniforms.htm)

96. While studies haven't shown overwhelming evidence that school uniforms fail to reduce behavioral problems or create a sense of equality among students of varying socioeconomic classes, studies haven't shown they deliver on any of these promises, either. (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cons-students-wearing-school-uniforms-27880.html)

97. A University of Houston study found a correlation between uniform policies and reduced student absences. Conversely, a study conducted at the University of Northern Michigan found no relationship between uniforms and achievement, and a "negative correlation" between uniforms and student behavioral problems. The research regarding effectiveness is still ongoing, but as of yet, it isn't promising. (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cons-students-wearing-school-uniforms-27880.html)

98. Exclusion exists on two levels. First, through the decision as to what the uniforms should look like, and second, through intolerance to students who want to dress according to their gender or sexual identities. (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cons-students-wearing-school-uniforms-27880.html)

99. An American Indian tribe in South Dakota claims that their input was ignored when uniforms for their school district were being designed, which suggests school uniforms are culturally biased. (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cons-students-wearing-school-uniforms-27880.html)

100. Furthermore, school uniforms present a potential drawback for gay, lesbian and transgender students who might desire to dress according to their sexual or gender orientations. If a school isn't willing to accommodate such students, the school could be viewed as discriminative. (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cons-students-wearing-school-uniforms-27880.html)

101. While school districts have argued that uniforms will be less expensive than clothes favored by some students, they don't take into account the cost for low-income families. For families who struggle financially, the requirement to purchase school uniforms for their children could prove significantly more expensive than the clothes they buy normally, and add to their financial hardship. (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cons-students-wearing-school-uniforms-27880.html)

102. One clear drawback to school uniform policies is that they limit the abilities of students to express themselves visually. Students often use clothing as an outward manifestation of their personalities to show the world who they are without having to articulate it through speech or dramatic behavior. Those who must adhere to uniform policies have -- to an extent -- been creatively disarmed. (http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cons-students-wearing-school-uniforms-27880.html)

103. Under the O’Brien test, a school dress code or uniform policy is constitutional if it: 1) Is authorized under state law. 2) Advances an important government interest. 3) Is not related to the suppression of free expression. 4) Only incidentally restricts free expression in a minimal fashion. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has used the O’Brien test more than once to uphold a school-uniform policy against constitutional challenge. (http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/clothing-dress-codes-uniforms)

104. Canady v. Bossier Parish School Board: “The School Board’s purpose for enacting the uniform policy is to increase test scores and reduce disciplinary problems throughout the school system,” the appeals court wrote in Canady. “This purpose is in no way related to the suppression of student speech.” (http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/clothing-dress-codes-uniforms)

105. As the secretary at the school. I believe that school uniforms are awesome! Girls have one less thing to worry about in the morning when they are getting dressed for school. There are no comparisons with other girls on clothing. (We also have a strict policy on shoes). (Expert Mary Kubik)

106. The girls always look nice and there is never an incident of someone dressing inappropriately. (Expert Mary Kubik)

107. I think uniforms show solidarity, and a feeling of belonging. (Expert Mary Kubik)

108. As a parent, I loved it when my girls wore uniforms, because of the above reasons. They actually liked wearing them (even through high school). (Expert Mary Kubik)

109. I don't know if wearing uniforms contributes to bullying. If someone wants to bully, they will find any excuse (unfortunately). (Expert Mary Kubik)

110. I don't think uniforms take away individuality. I think girls should realize that clothes are not what defines them, it's their soul and the beauty within them. (Expert Mary Kubik)

111. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently struck down a portion of a school’s dress code in Newsom v. Albemarle County School Board that prohibited clothing depicting weapons. The controversy arose after school officials forced student Alan Newsom to quit wearing his National Rifle Association T-shirt, which depicted three silhouettes of men holding guns and bore the message “NRA Sports Shooting Camp.” The school policy prohibited “messages on clothing, jewelry, and personal belongings that relate to … weapons.” (http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/clothing-dress-codes-uniforms)

112. In its December 2003 decision, the 4th Circuit determined that the policy was too broad and was not necessary to prevent disruptions at school. The court explained that the language of the school dress code would prohibit clothing bearing the state seal of Virginia, which depicts a woman holding a spear, or clothing bearing the athletic mascot of the University of Virginia, which contains two crossed sabers. (http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/clothing-dress-codes-uniforms)

113. Many courts will analyze student dress cases under a threshold test established by the Supreme Court in flag-desecration cases. This two-part test asks: (1) whether the student intended to convey a particular message, and (2) whether reasonable observers would understand this message. A federal district court in New Mexico applied this standard to rule that a public school student did not have a First Amendment right to wear sagging jeans. (http://www.firstamendme ntcenter.org/clothing-dress-codes-uniforms )

114. Some schools impose “neatness” standards on students without referring to a dress code. Or they might call these standards “dress and grooming” policies. (http://www.firstamendme ntcenter.org/clothing-dress-codes-uniforms )

115. Courts don’t agree on grooming, hair length and color-of-hair cases. Challenges to grooming policies have met with some but not great success. Most of the cases in which lawsuits have been brought against schools have involved hair length (especially sideburns in the 1970s) and earrings. (http://www.firstamendme ntcenter.org/clothing-dress-codes- uniforms)

116. Some courts have upheld grooming regulations for students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics. One court, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, justified grooming regulations as a “reasonable means of furthering the school board’s undeniable interest in teaching hygiene, instilling discipline, asserting authority and compelling uniformity” (inDavenport v. Randolph County Board of Education, 1984). (http://www.firstamendme ntcenter.org/clothing-dress-codes-uniforms )

117. Many school districts have turned to dress codes and uniforms to promote a better learning environment. They argue that these policies decrease tensions, reduce socio-economic differences and enhance safety. Others contend these dress codes are merely Band-Aid solutions that do not improve safety. Further, they charge that these policies infringe on students’ First Amendment rights of free expression.

118. For fashion aficionado, wearing school uniform suppresses their way to express themselves. School uniform prevents them from wearing the clothes they want to wear. (http://occupytheory.org/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-school-uniforms/)

119. Some students are also not comfortable with uniforms as you cannot just pick them from your closet. Usually, it will require you to iron them, so that you will not go to school wearing crumpled uniform. This will require some of your time just to prepare your uniform in the next day. (http://occupytheory.org/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-school-uniforms/)

120. Another disadvantage of school uniform is they cannot let you show your personality. You cannot able to demonstrate your sense of fashion or style. (http://occupytheory.org/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-school-uniforms/)

121. You also need to purchase 2 or 3 sets of school uniform especially if your school is 6 days a week. If you don’t have enough money to buy uniform you need to wash them every day for you to enter the school. (http://occupytheory.org/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-school-uniforms/)

122. Ask any school child what the pros of a school uniform are and they'll likely greet you with blank stares. If you think back to when you were a child you'll remember that most of us hated wearing a school uniform. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/Pros-and-Cons-of-School-Uniforms.html)

123. School uniforms by and large are ugly to look at and usually involve black and yellow stripes, mucus green jumpers and uncomfortable materials. It's no wonder the children don't like wearing them... And this fact can make them teased by other children. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/Pros-and-Cons-of-School-Uniforms.html)

124. At the end of the day children would all love to wear their own uniforms. It would make children want to come to that school and it would make them a lot more likely to tow the line in other ways. Other schools would think that the children from yours were the 'cool' ones and it would generally be a great gift to the children. They're the ones who have to wear the things day in day out... so this has got to be worth something. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/Pros-and-Cons-of-School-Uniforms.html)

125. If the children of a school are out causing trouble wearing the uniform from a school, it can reflect badly on that school and result in fewer parents wanting to send their children there. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/Pros-and-Cons-of-School-Uniforms.html)

126. Someone has to design the uniform and someone has to choose what it consists of. Rules like 'girls wear skirts' can be perceived as pervy or sexist, while girls not being allowed to

wear skirts can upset a lot of the girls. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/Pros-and-Cons-of- School-Uniforms.html )

127. Likewise ties will be seen as a point of controversy (again is there gender equality here?) and every time there' a redesign parents and pupils alike will likely be angry. By letting children wear their own clothes you can avoid all of the politics involved here. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/Pros-and-Cons-of- School-Uniforms.html )

128. Those parents who would have sent their children to school in old hand-me-downs and knitted jumpers may not be as relieved about the uniform as you may think, as it will mean they have to fork out for expensive school uniforms time and again in order to pay for their children's education. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/Pros-and-Cons-of- School- Uniforms.html)

129. They will also need several versions of the same outfit as their children will have to wear them five days a week. This is on top of the clothes they already had to wear. They may well end up still wearing hand-me-downs from older siblings, or faded clothes from the charity shop too. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/Pros-and-Cons-of- School-Uniforms.html )

130. Some people say that school uniforms are good for creating a sense of authority and discipline in children, whereas other parents would argue this is undesirable and they would rather their children were more creative and more liberal. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/ Pros-and-Cons-of-School-Uniforms.html )

131. At the same time they might feel that it takes away a way for children to express themselves and be more creative. It could be seen as stifling their creativity and independence to get them more willing to work for the 'man' in later life. Whether or not this is a good thing is entirely a matter of perspective. (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15038/1/ Pros-and- Cons-of-School-Uniforms.html)

132. One of main reasons of resentful feelings toward the school uniform is the lack of individuality it breeds. Dr. Alan Hilfer, a senior psychologist at the Children's and Adolescent Unit at Maimonides Medical Center, stated, "By instituting a uniform policy, schools are taking away kids' individuality; schools need to decide if that sacrifice is worth making." When they make decisions regarding uniforms, schools should be aware that the student body may grow restless with this restriction in freedom. (http://www.ehow.com/info_7873687_studies-cons-school-uniforms.html)

133. Studies have shown that the cost of uniforms acts against the argument for uniforms. Especially in the public school arena where the cost of education is free -- uniforms only add an extra bill to the family. Uniforms can't be worn anywhere else other than school. In areas with seasonal climate changes, families have the extra expense of purchasing winter and summer weight uniforms. (http://www.ehow.com/info_7873687_studies-cons-school-uniforms.html)

134. While some school statistics show a decrease in violence with a uniform policy, such as in the Long Beach school district where fights in school have dropped by 50 percent, it is unclear whether that decrease comes from the uniforms themselves or simply a stricter form of disciplinary conduct. (http://www.ehow.com/info_7873687_studies-cons-school-uniforms.html)

135. There has been no evidence that uniforms actually benefit a child's performance on tests and classwork. The idea of having a uniform seems to just be a superficial device to make the school look better, but does not actually make the school better in itself. (http://www.ehow.com/info_7873687_studies-cons-school-uniforms.html)

136. In a study conducted published in "The Journal of Educational Research" by Drs. Brunsma and Rockquemore, there is really no data that supports the idea that uniforms lead to higher test scores. On the contrary, according to their study, in some schools where a uniform policy was enforced, test scores actually dropped. (http://www.ehow.com/info_7873687_studies-cons-school-uniforms.html)

137. The debate on whether uniforms should be made mandatory in schools, invokes varied opinions and viewpoints from parents, school teachers, and policy-makers. The issue has been around for a long time - notably brought into the mainstream public consciousness by Bill Clinton, during his presidency. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-against-school-uniforms.html)

138. One doesn't need to look any further than Bill Clinton's address itself to understand the hypocritical nature of this argument. To quote a few excerpts from his speech, "Today I'm visiting Long Beach, California, a community that has helped to restore order to its schools by requiring elementary and middle school students to wear uniforms... We've all seen the tragic headlines screaming of the death of a teenager who was killed for a pair of sneakers or jewelry or a designer jacket. In Detroit, a 15-year-old boy was shot for his $86 basketball shoes. In Fort Lauderdale, a 15-year-old student was robbed of his jewelry. Just this past December in Oxon Hill, Maryland, a 17-year-old honor student was killed at a bus stop, caught in the crossfire during the robbery of another student's designer jacket." (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-against-school-uniforms.html)

139. In this address, the President appreciates the efforts of the Long Beach (Unified School District) in mandating elementary and middle school students to wear uniforms. However, the examples of violent behavior that he cites are all related to students in the age-group 15-17. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-against-school-uniforms.html)

140. Across US, elementary and middle school students are being required to comply with the rules of school uniforms, while at the same time, juveniles - who, as statistics show, are involved in most illegal activities - are being excluded. There is a consensus on the fact that bringing in a regulation that mandates uniformity across schools will do little to address the larger issues of drug abuse, gang-wars, robbing, etc. By using school uniforms as a panacea, its proponents are overlooking the root cause of the problems. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-against-school-uniforms.html)

141. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution gives every individual the right to express himself freely. By imposing uniforms on children, schools take away this right from them. Numerous lawsuits have been filed by the parents of children, on the grounds that the school uniforms as an infringement on the rights of their children. The judgment in these cases has been given after taking into account the respective scenarios, and there isn't still a universal rule on this issue. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-against-school-uniforms.html)

142. In the landmark decision of Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the Supreme Court ruled in the favor of the students who were suspended after they refused to remove black armbands, which they had put on in opposition to the war in Vietnam. The court ruled out that the rights that every American is guaranteed by the First Amendment to Constitution, applies to every student and that schoolchildren, "do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate." People who support uniforms argue that an absence of uniformity can lead to a disruption in the school. However, it has to be noted that assumption plays a larger role than prudence in this claim. A teenager who is fully clad in a school uniform can still disrupt the proceedings if he hurls obscenities at his colleagues and teachers. By denying students the right to express their personalities, uniforms not only infringe on their constitutional rights, but also inhibit the development of virtues such as diversity and tolerance in the school. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-against-school-uniforms.html)

143. Uniforms may be cheaper than branded or designer clothing, but they are no way cheaper than street clothing. Thus, if you are not fussy about a particular brand, you can save a lot of money if the school does not insist on uniforms. Uniforms alone do not take care of all the clothing requirements of kids. Along with uniforms, you need to buy clothes to wear after school as well as on weekends. Needless to say, this imposes an additional expense on parents. With normal clothing, parents have an option to buy from discount stores, used clothing store, etc., to save a considerable sum. Uniforms are found only at select stores, with a fixed price, which can be a real pain for low-income families with multiple kids. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts- against-school-uniforms.html )

144. Dress code implementation can never be unambiguous. Students can always find ways to tweak the code as per their taste. Uniforms, to some extent, may prevent the students from displaying their fashion sense. However, students may still find ways to stylize their school uniforms. For instance, they may roll the skirt at the waistline to make it shorter, or refuse to tuck in their shirts. It is simply impossible to prevent the students from displaying their personal taste even in uniforms. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts- against-school-uniforms.html )

145. The very first barrier that school authorities face is the fact that uniforms clamp down the freedom of expression. Clothes are viewed as a means of expression by youngsters, who see the uniform policy as a hindrance. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/school-uniforms-pros-and-cons.html)

146. There is no direct evidence proving that uniforms have curbed the crime rates and improved attendance in schools. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/school-uniforms-pros-and-cons.html)

147. A valid argument here is that uniforms can pose as an added burden on low-income families, where the clothes that children wear are often hand me downs. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/school-uniforms-pros-and-cons.html)

148. Children in uniforms can also be at the receiving end of bullying from kids belonging to other schools. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/school-uniforms-pros-and-cons.html)

149. Students shouldn't be compelled to wear a uniform as it takes away their individuality from them. Every pupil is different, and it is the responsibility of a teacher to look into the positives of every student. The idea of uniforms was based on the archaic education module, but in the present scenario, where the focus has shifted to modern education and individuality, uniforms are absolutely unnecessary. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/should-students-have-to-wear-school-uniforms.html)

150. Most parents want quality education for their children. Rather than spending money on buying a uniform which their ward will never get to wear outside the school premises, the same can be used in buying books or other stuff which will actually be of some good use for their children. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/should-students-have-to-wear-school-uniforms.html)

151. The argument that uniforms create a classless society doesn't hold true as pupils don't spend their entire day in a school. They have a personal and social life after the school-hours during which the school can't force them into wearing a uniform. Besides, there are other factors that contribute to distinctions between pupils, like the car their parents have, which neighborhood they live in, the brand of bags and pens used. In the pursuit of a classless society, the authorities will have to curb each and everything wherein there is scope for individuality. Therefore, instead of using uniform as a means to promote equality, students should be taught the values of mutual respect and discipline which will stay with them for their lifetime. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/should-students-have-to-wear-school-uniforms.html)

152. Wearing a uniform creates strong distinctions between pupils from different schools leading to bullying and gang wars. Also, it makes them more susceptible to crimes as they can be easily singled out in the crowd. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/should-students-have-to-wear-school-uniforms.html)

153. Uniforms are not designed according to the convenience of students, instead they are produced in bulk. This causes inconvenience to a lot of pupils as they have to wear something they are not comfortable in. Take an example of a girl who suffers from a skin disease, and has prominent rashes on her legs. Give a choice, she would avoid wearing skirts, and will stick to trousers, but due to the compulsory school uniform, not only will she feel embarrassed, but she can inadvertently spread it across to her classmates. (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/should-students-have-to-wear-school-uniforms.html)