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School Uniform Controversy

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School uniforms have been a topical debate amongst educators, parents and children for quite some time now. Many folks feel that requiring uniforms in school has had a major influence and impact on the students and on the school environment as a whole. Opponents, on the other hand, think that the obligation of uniforms violates the right of freedom of expression for students and can be a financial burden on lower class families. These are some of the main points from people who are against enforcing school uniforms. So, should students truly be forced to wear uniforms to school daily? On the surface, it seems that the uniform debate should not be as hotly debated as it truly is. It’s just clothing. But, in reality the uniform controversy has spear headed a large deliberation and there has been much research done that has proven that schools that enforce uniform dress codes have improved on many levels. Uniforms have been shown to improve attendance and graduation rates, help prevent gang activity on campuses, alleviate peer pressure, and much more. Requiring school uniforms, even at a basic level is something that should be enforced in all schools. (https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/school-uniforms/)
Commonly favored by private schools and institutions, US public schools are starting to adopt the idea of school wide uniforms by increasing numbers. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released figures in 2014 stating the overall amount of public schools nationwide which are now requiring school uniforms has increased from 13% during the 2003-2004 school year to 19% during the 2011-2012 school year. (https://school-uniforms.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=006507)
The first recorded practice of a school uniform was in England around the year 1200. At first, school uniforms in the US adopted the concept of school uniforms that were originally established in England. In the fall of 1987, US public schools in Maryland and Washington DC were the first institutions known to establish policies regarding school wide standardized dress. Initially, these uniform policies were voluntary, although a report made by the New York Times in December of 1987 stated that the idea of school wide

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