School Uniforms and Safety

In Long Beach, CA after two years of a district-wide K-8 mandatory uniform policy, reports of assault and battery in the districts school decreased by 34% assault with deadly weapons decreased by 50% fighting incidents went down by 51% sex offences were cut by 74%, robbery dropped by 65%, possession of weapons ( or weapon ‘’look-alikes’’) decreased by 52%, possession of drugs went down by 69%, and vandalism was lowers by 18%. School uniforms also prevent students from concealing weapons under baggy clothing, they also make it easier to keep track of students on field trips, and make intruders on campus more visible. A bulletin published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals stated that ‘’when all students are wearing the same outfit, they are less concerned about how they look and how they fit in with their peers. Also wearing school uniforms increase school pride,unity, and community spirit. A study by researchers at the University of Houston found that the average absences rate for girls in middle and high school decreased by 7% after the introduction of uniforms.

When uniforms are mandatory, parents and students do not spend time choosing appropriate outfits for school day. According to a national survey, over 90% of US school leaders believe school uniforms help students. Perhaps most importantly, a uniform means students don't have to worry about peer pressure when it comes to their clothes. When everyone is dressed the same, worrying about what you look like isn't so important. There is no competition about being dressed in the latest trend, which would put a great deal of financial pressure on students and parents.Bill Clinton, JD, 42nd President of the United States, stated in his Feb. 24, 1996 radio address, available at the American Presidency Project website:

""I believe we should give strong support to school districts that decide to require young students to wear school uniforms. We've all seen the tragic headlines screaming of the death of a teenager who was killed for a pair of sneakers or jewelry or a designer jacket. In Detroit, a 15-year-old boy was shot for his $86 basketball shoes. In Fort Lauderdale, a 15-year-old student was robbed of his jewelry. Just this past December in Oxon Hill, Maryland, a 17-year-old honor student was killed at a bus stop, caught in the crossfire during the robbery of another student's designer jacket.

French Toast, as well as many educators, administrators, parents and public minded citizens, is aware that some of our public school systems are in a dispirited and discouraged state. Violence, poor attendance, disruptive behavior and disheartening attitudes stand in the way of today's education. The Long Beach Unified School District in California voted to mandate uniform wear in order to reduce gang identification. It had become dangerous and violent to attend school there. This program seems to have effectively decreased gang violence in the district. Children are no longer identified by their ""colors."" Uniform dress alleviated the feelings of imminent danger for students who were afraid they might inadvertently dress in gang colors.

So over all school uniforms are a good thing and if you don’t agree just do some research and find out yourself.

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