School Uniforms Yes or No

UsedToBeHusky

Yes

That way it's harder to single out the poor and the kids can be accepted for their own merit instead of how nice their clothes are (how much money the family has).

Really? This is probably the number 1 reason I see parents defending them but it's simply not true. Our public schools that have uniforms just limit dress to non-denim pants (khakis, chinoes, etc) and polo/oxford shirts. You still have kids wearing the goodwill or off brand clothes and still have the kids who are wearing the Hollister brand pants and tops. Still have kids with trendy shoes and backpacks or kids will beat up shoes and backpacks... I have a really hard time seeing how this is a valid point...

Just having a dress code that doesn't allow jeans isn't a uniform. If everyone wore the SAME uniform, nobody would be able to show off their Holisters and there would be no Goodwill clothes either.

First off, you have to understand that there are differences between the public school uniform initiatives and the private school dress codes. Private schools are far more specific about uniforms with most requiring that the uniforms come from a very specific vendor. The clothes are all completely identical and the dress code is specific down to accessories, socks, and shoes. Public schools do not work the same way. They specify polo shirts and khakis. They do not specify where the uniform is purchased or any other specifics beyond that. So, basically, in a public school initiative, you are still going to have kids wearing different brands, different qualities of clothing, used clothing, and you will still have shoes as a status marker.

There is still division that exists among the students in uniformed public schools, and as someone pointed out earlier, the uniform initiative in public schools is primarily used to deter gang activity. Therefore, private schools with a regimented dress code are going to see the amazing benefits of uniforms, however, public schools are only going to use it as a last ditch (half-*kitten*) effort to improve district performance.

I went to a public school that required uniform and it was a real uniform from a specific vendor. I had to wear a plaid kick pleat skirt, a white button down shirt, navy sweater vest and/or red and navy sweater with school seal on the chest. I was already a student there when they implemented the uniform, so it was a tough transition. Initially they cut us slack about some things. Boys would wear any pants as long as they were navy blue and girls work any white shirt, especially since the one's from the uniform store were such poor quality. As years progressed, there was less deviation. 20 years late the school is one of the few public schools in NYC that requires uniform. I get that private schools require uniform and that is their choice and a parent that doesn't want their child to wear one doesn't have to send their child to that school. I can't get behind uniforms in public schools. I have never seen any argument used to promote uniforms validated. I do support dress codes, but uniforms is one of those things that sound like a good idea, but do little to promote a better environment for education.

Oh... I absolutely agree. I do think perharps the school system that my kids were in would have gotten more strict with the uniforms over time. As you mentioned, uniform initiatives have to be phased in. But I didn't really see where adding a uniform initiative benefitted the kids or the parents in any way. Like I said, I found that my kids just abused their clothes more because they cared far less about them.

donald149

Now that I have a daughter - I say Yes!! Granted when i was in school i didn't want them when the argument came up.

TyFit08

Yes

That way it's harder to single out the poor and the kids can be accepted for their own merit instead of how nice their clothes are (how much money the family has).

Really? This is probably the number 1 reason I see parents defending them but it's simply not true. Our public schools that have uniforms just limit dress to non-denim pants (khakis, chinoes, etc) and polo/oxford shirts. You still have kids wearing the goodwill or off brand clothes and still have the kids who are wearing the Hollister brand pants and tops. Still have kids with trendy shoes and backpacks or kids will beat up shoes and backpacks... I have a really hard time seeing how this is a valid point...

Just having a dress code that doesn't allow jeans isn't a uniform. If everyone wore the SAME uniform, nobody would be able to show off their Holisters and there would be no Goodwill clothes either.

First off, you have to understand that there are differences between the public school uniform initiatives and the private school dress codes. Private schools are far more specific about uniforms with most requiring that the uniforms come from a very specific vendor. The clothes are all completely identical and the dress code is specific down to accessories, socks, and shoes. Public schools do not work the same way. They specify polo shirts and khakis. They do not specify where the uniform is purchased or any other specifics beyond that. So, basically, in a public school initiative, you are still going to have kids wearing different brands, different qualities of clothing, used clothing, and you will still have shoes as a status marker.

There is still division that exists among the students in uniformed public schools, and as someone pointed out earlier, the uniform initiative in public schools is primarily used to deter gang activity. Therefore, private schools with a regimented dress code are going to see the amazing benefits of uniforms, however, public schools are only going to use it as a last ditch (half-*kitten*) effort to improve district performance.

I went to a public school that required uniform and it was a real uniform from a specific vendor. I had to wear a plaid kick pleat skirt, a white button down shirt, navy sweater vest and/or red and navy sweater with school seal on the chest. I was already a student there when they implemented the uniform, so it was a tough transition. Initially they cut us slack about some things. Boys would wear any pants as long as they were navy blue and girls work any white shirt, especially since the one's from the uniform store were such poor quality. As years progressed, there was less deviation. 20 years late the school is one of the few public schools in NYC that requires uniform. I get that private schools require uniform and that is their choice and a parent that doesn't want their child to wear one doesn't have to send their child to that school. I can't get behind uniforms in public schools. I have never seen any argument used to promote uniforms validated. I do support dress codes, but uniforms is one of those things that sound like a good idea, but do little to promote a better environment for education.

Oh... I absolutely agree. I do think perharps the school system that my kids were in would have gotten more strict with the uniforms over time. As you mentioned, uniform initiatives have to be phased in. But I didn't really see where adding a uniform initiative benefitted the kids or the parents in any way. Like I said, I found that my kids just abused their clothes more because they cared far less about them.

Exactly, I took no pride in my uniform. I didn't care if I got stains on it, if it was ripped. I cut all the skirts up the day I graduated. In my case this was middle school, so a time when you are figuring out who you are. I may not have started every morning worrying about what to wear, but I certainly started every morning worrying about what I couldn't wear. I felt so constricted. This was a gifted school. I had to travel an hour on public transportation through some of the city's' worst neighborhoods to get there. Since many of us came from all over the city, some students would wait until they got to school to change into their uniform, because they didn't want to worry about being bullied by the kids from other schools who could identify us by our uniforms.

AbbyCar

My daughters attend a Catholic school that requires uniforms. I like it. I think it saves me from many fights in the morning. As far as costs go? They have to wear navy or khaki bottoms and navy, white or pale blue tops. I've gotten several bottoms from rummage sales in my area and bought several polo type tops from Old Navy for around $5 a piece.

JusticeGirl25

I'm not in favor of school uniforms. Let the kids wear what they want as long as it's appropriate. I really don't blame school officials for looking at some students that want to wear baggy jeans and ladies wearing wayyyy too short skirts. I think they're in the minority.