Peer pressure in the educational setting is a primary concern for many students and the effects of such pressure can many times lead to negative scenarios involving students, as well as for the parents and school administrators. Many parents who decide to home-school their children cite the poor educational environment of the school setting as one of their primary purposes for teaching their children at home and a recent article states that "Most of the parents who home-school their children say that kids are able to focus solely on schoolwork because they are not distracted by peer pressure, violence, sex -- even clothing competition" (Henderson, 2008, pg
An additional consideration to the school uniform policy might be the possibility of parents having the option of 'opting out' of the policy due to religious or other reasons. Texas has offered that opportunity where "under Texas law, school districts can require students to wear uniforms, but parents can object on philosophical or religious grounds" (Marks, 1998, pg
One recent article suggests that; "Despite the communicative elements of attire, which enjoy First Amendment protection, student attire that is disruptive, unsanitary, lewd, vulgar, or inconsistent with the school's objectives can be curtailed. Schools would be wise to implement and disseminate clear policies that include examples of prohibited attire" (McCarthy, 2005, pg
This is evidenced by an article written by another mother who states; "I was appalled when a minister of education ordered that secondary-school pupils should be allowed to dress in a distinct fashion that was mandated by their religious belonging. What I experienced was, frankly, a deep sense of revulsion at this insertion of a wedge of difference among youth, at a period in their lives when they should be saved from the separatist imbecilities of the so-called adult world" (Soyinka, 2004, pg
S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, San Francisco states that "The district's uniform policies limit only one form of student expression (while leaving open many other channels for student communication)," and they are "consistent with the district's goals of creating a productive, distraction-free educational environment for its students" (Walsh, 2008, pg
In 1995, then President Clinton visited the Long Beach, California school district which was the first public school system in America to require uniforms. After only one year, there was a dramatic decline in "violence and discipline problems, as well as higher test scores" (Wilkins, 1999, pg
In another study, Caruso (1996) and Padgett (1998)discovered that about half of Chicago's 553 public schools, which have a total enrollment of 410,000 students, already required uniforms and many had reported decreases in school violence as a result (Vanderklis, 1999). More and more schools are following the Long Beach example to mandate school uniforms (Dowling-Sendor, 2002)
Mandated Uniforms in School: A Benefit for Students and Educators Alike The scenarios are endless. A young boy was left dead in the street after his Air Jordans and Raiders jacket are stolen from his body (Jones, 2000)
Each grade wears a different color with the name of their grade imprinted on their uniform. In this light, "the uniforms are perceived as status symbols rather than required dress" (Loesch, l995, p
Department of Education's Manual on School Uniforms (1996): "Uniforms by themselves cannot solve all of the problems of school discipline, but they can be one positive contributing factor to discipline and safety." Long Beach, California drew national attention as the first public-school district to adopt mandatory school uniforms (Lumsden, 2001)
At another schoolyard, a fight breaks out between two opposing gangs who can be identified by the colors they are wearing. More and more cases of youth-related crimes are reported each year (McWhirter, McWhirter, and McWhirter, l998)
REVIEW OF LITERATURE A nationwide school epidemic is being highly publicized across the United States, as school violence, truancy, vandalism, theft, drugs and weapons have become more and more prevalent over the past few years (Vanderklis, 1999). These increases have placed pressure on schools and policymakers to act quickly, before the situation gets out of control (Pate, 1999)
However, many seem to enjoy it. Out of all students queried at the Latin Grammar Magnet schools in Kansas City, Missouri, 33% stated they enjoyed wearing uniforms (Robinson-Lewis, l991)
In conclusion, recommendations on successfully implementing uniforms will be provided. REVIEW OF LITERATURE A nationwide school epidemic is being highly publicized across the United States, as school violence, truancy, vandalism, theft, drugs and weapons have become more and more prevalent over the past few years (Vanderklis, 1999)
The restriction of student and parental rights to freedom of expression in appearance, intrusion into the private lives of students, and lack of research to show relationships between uniforms and academic achievement, are a few of the reasons that parents and educators reject uniform dress code. In a 1992 study, the majority of parents polled disagreed that wearing uniforms promoted positive interaction between children and their peers (Woods and Ogletree)
The principal objection to the idea arises in connection with First Amendment concerns and the constitutional right to free expression. However, as in the case with other aspects of constitutional arguments in the educational environment, privacy and free expression principles on the part of students are, to a large degree, suspended on school property (Friedman, 2005)
The modern educational institution, particularly as evident in large public high schools, is as much a social environment as an educational one (Macionis, 2003). At this age, students are acutely conscious of their image in the eyes of their peer group (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2005) and clothing fashions and fads play a significant role in their establishment and maintenance of personal identity (Henslin, 2002)
The modern educational institution, particularly as evident in large public high schools, is as much a social environment as an educational one (Macionis, 2003). At this age, students are acutely conscious of their image in the eyes of their peer group (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2005) and clothing fashions and fads play a significant role in their establishment and maintenance of personal identity (Henslin, 2002)
In all likelihood, there are no legitimate objections to the suggestion that students wear school uniforms for the benefit of their educational focus, their sense of psychological security and self-esteem, and in some schools, even their personal safety. The modern educational institution, particularly as evident in large public high schools, is as much a social environment as an educational one (Macionis, 2003)
Benefits Debate The debate surrounding the benefits and advantages of uniforms has continued for several years. The predominate argument has been that school uniforms "reduce the effects of social disparity" (Bodine, 67)