School Uniform

John Morris
Professor Shepherd
English Composition I


Take a moment to think back to your days as a high school student. Do you remember how much pressure you were under to complete all of the work expected from you? If you were not seen as one of the best-looking students at your school, remember how much more stressful this goal was when you were under emotional attack from people who made fun of your outfit or appearance? I have gone through this, being on both sides of the social fence; I was very popular in elementary school before transferring and not having as many friends. I had gone from a small farm-town school in Jamestown, Ohio, to living in one of Cincinnati’s most prestigious school districts, Forest Hills. Through my years at Maddux Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Nagel Middle, and Turpin High School, I was put down on multiple occasions because of the way I dressed. I felt like I could have been popular if given a chance, but I never had enough money to keep up with the latest fads. My grades continuously suffered because of the emotional stress I suffered, but in my freshman year I transferred to a small private school that enforced a school uniform policy—students must wear a polo shirt and khakis. I felt confident in myself again and had great academic success at Calvary Free Will Baptist Academy both because of the dress code and how generally accepting everyone there was to me. It is because of my experiences that I believe that all schools should institute a school uniform policy to create a more positive learning environment.
Kids across the United States of America are having a tough time getting through school because their respective families cannot afford to keep them in fashion, and these kids are often persecuted because they are seen as poor dressers. They may begin to believe that they really are not much of a person because of their social status and lose their self-esteem. This problem not only leads to academic failure, but can have more long-term effects, such as depression, which could possibly lead to drug abuse, self-infliction, and, in extreme cases, suicide. Implementing a school uniform would give many students an exponential boost in confidence, leading to academic success, social and emotional well-being, and a will to not give up on their hopes and dreams.
If schools across the country made up a school uniform policy, they would in turn be creating a more professional environment as well. Consider the top professions in America today, such as government offices, professional sports, and both small- and large-market businesses. Each of these professions institutes a standard of dress that they expect their employees to achieve. Potential employees, although not conformed to a business’ dress policy yet, must at least dress with class to even be considered for a job while they are applying, being interviewed, and other parts of the employment process. This is to ensure that all members of an association are mature and professional. Including a standard of dress in schools across the United States of America will have the same effect, and prepare these children for their respective careers.
Some people may argue that creating a requirement to wear uniforms will deplete a child’s creativity and teach them that they should always conform to a certain standard. That uniforms deprive children of creativity may be true to an extent, but for the most part this is incorrect. With a uniform, students would not have much room to be creative with their dress, but their inner creativity of personality could be exposed with the help of conformity of dress. If one is not rejected because of physical appearance, then more people would be willing to associate with one another and express their ideas. As for the argument that a child’s mind may be controlled by conformity, I don’t believe this is a major negative. As I stated in the preceding paragraph, uniforms can make the school environment more professional as a whole. Also, children ought to learn that throughout their life they must learn to adapt to whatever environment they place themselves in or end up in. If one wanted to apply for a job, whether it is something like business administration or flipping burgers at McDonald’s, it is not commonly acceptable to dress sloppily or wear short-cut clothing. It is also unacceptable to wear things such as body piercings (besides ears, possibly), tattoos, or other suggestive material. Teaching youth to conform themselves to dress appropriately for their situation will definitely help prepare them for the career path that they aspire to follow.
In conclusion, the institution of a school uniform policy will enhance the learning environment of each and every student in our great nation. It would also create more self-esteem in kids once looked down upon because they didn’t keep up with the latest fashion or fad. If parents care a lot about their child who is being rejected and excluded in school, they should stand up for their child in front of their respective school board and present the need for their school to follow a policy of uniform dressing. In the long term, we will also see a drop in unemployment statistics because of what uniforms can teach children about professionalism and maturity. I know what effect uniforms have had on me, and I would not be the mature, responsible person I am today without attending a school that included the policy of all students wearing a uniform. I would hope other students from different schools realize how much can be gained through a school uniform.