“If it means that teen-agers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to require school uniforms” These were the remarks, not mine, but of a concerned Bill Clinton back in 1996, when expressing his concerns over his weekly radio address. Today I am going to talk to you about how school dress codes promote better learning, promote equality and instill values students will use when they enter professional fields.
Secondly, school dress codes have been attributed to promote equality among students in school. Since every student adheres to the dress code which applies uniformly amongst everyone, then a student will not be coerced or forced by others, or even feel the need to embrace the latest trend in the fashion industry just because the others are. There is reduction of the class or economic envy among the kids which comes up when one feels the need to show off to the other students. As a result, tolerance is inculcated amongst the students no matter what background one comes from. As a matter of fact, it becomes harder to point out or classify exactly which economic background each and every student comes from. It even becomes the least of our concerns because when in school, all that matters is that everyone came to learn and not to show off the latest dress or shirt they bought. Victimization is greatly reduced and a student further develops a sense of security and belonging to the school.
Thirdly, school dress codes instill the values of professionalism and decency in students which are important as they grow up and enter the professional field. They help prepare the children face the future where they would have to adhere to dress as required in certain work environments. Different professions require particular dress codes to be adhered by the employees. After school, the children will grow up and get employed in the different sectors of life. By adhering to school dress codes right from a younger age, we help reinforce the necessity for dress codes in a work environment. We help enforce the necessity of decency amongst the students which in turn helps them earn respect from others just because they respect their bodies.
It, therefore, goes unnoticed that dress codes in schools can certainly improve the academic success of the students, reduce victimization amongst students, and instill values useful in the future lives of students after school. Why hesitate to embrace school dress codes then? The pros are clear and effective in achieving the main purpose of schools being built.
Works Cited
Martel, Heather. Effective Strategies for General and Special Education Teachers. Michigan: Eastern Michigan University, 2009.
