I. Introduction part 2 Essay - 3,486 words

... their school boards and administrators applied dress codes and uniform policies. As the result, by 1999, 675 elementary schools of New York Citys (almost 72 percent) decided to introduce a standardized dress code. In 2000, a districtwide policy requiring some type of uniform was adopted by the Philadelphia School Board. The same year, in Miami, school uniforms were applied in 60 percent of the public schools, in Chicago - 80 percent, 65 percent - in Boston and 95 percent - in New Orleans. Most of all, 37 states enforced their own uniform policies legislatively.


So, as it is seen, the trend towards prescribing what students wear to class has been constantly growing and changing. Along with it the tension and debates among teachers, school officials, children, their parents and politicians has grown. There were several reasons for implementing school uniforms. New strategy should help to maintain discipline in unruly classrooms, improve self-esteem among students, and invoke a higher feeling of school pride. There were some other reasons: reduce peer pressure (competition), help to concentrate more on learning and diminish distractions, create a more work-like atmosphere. Reasons of opposition were based on oppression of freedom of expression and inhibition of individuality. Finally, the school uniform movement reveals a great deal about the politics, social realities, and highly contested terrain of educational reform and the process of schooling in the United States. It is for sure that a school uniform policy should be examined carefully the crucial empirical, sociological, cultural, political, and legal dimensions.


And a successful introduction and implementation of a school uniform program depends on communication between the system, the teachers, the parents and the students. The hottest debates are about the influence of school uniforms. Is it productive or passive? Are dress codes better than school uniforms because they celebrate diversity over uniformity? As it was said before, some people are sure that introduction of school uniforms improves student behavior, reduces differences among socioeconomic levels, and enhances students' self-confidence. But the others speak against the policy. They say that dress codes and school uniforms infringe upon students' First Amendment rights, stifle individuality, and impose unnecessary means of control. The debates arise two fundamental questions: Does introduction of school-uniform policy decrease school violence and increase performance? Though a lot of researches were made there were not noticed an absolutely clear connection between dress and students behavior or performance.


But there were no a lot of facts testifying negative impact of the policy. Many teachers and parents, especially in elementary and middle schools, support school-uniform policy. They are sure that school uniforms are seen as a concrete and visible means of restoring order to the classrooms. Uniforms conjure up visions of parochial schools, which are perceived as safe, secure, and orderly learning environments (Education Week 2001). But from the other side, there are some parents, civil libertarians, and students, particularly older ones. They prove that uniform policies oppress childrens right on freedom of expression. Critics point to the fact that uniform requirements cramp students freedom of expression and amount to nothing more than a band-aid [sic] solution to the illness that ails our schools.


They also point to the financial burden uniforms put on lower-income families (Wills 2001). The right to freedom of expression is guaranteed by the 1st Amendment. And implementation of school uniforms and dress codes is violation of it. The 1st Amendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of expression, speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Most of all, the opposition says that the policy provokes imposing and teaching values that may be in conflict with the values of the student's family. A lot of cases have been examined by the courts for recent years.


In 2002, several cases were sent to the Court. The cases Benjamin B. v. Natalia Independent School District and Kaytie T. v. Forney Independent School District were about the Texas Education Code.


The parents of the children made a bona fide religious and philosophical objection in writing. But in spite of it, respondents required students to wear uniforms. One of the petitioners objected to uniforms because the petitioner believed uniforms stifle diversity and diversity is an important social good. The other ones objection to wearing a uniform was based on the petitioners understanding of the Bible. According to the Texas Education Code school districts are allowed to require school uniforms but students have a right to be exempted if their parents state in writing a bona fide religious or philosophical objection to the requirement. (Tex.


Educ. Code 11.162(c).) It should be said that there are a lot of debates about the interpretation of religion and philosophy. The High Court has often interpreted the meaning of religion and philosophy widely. According to Merriam Websters College Dictionary, 873 (10th ed.), philosophy has too broad definition. But it is evident that the term philosophical as used in Texas Education Code section 11.162(c) means of or relating to the principles of conduct governing an individu ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................You are reading a preview................... Visit our Blog and Unlock Full Access to this essay

Continue READING the FULL Essay by clicking HERE

Essay Tags: school uniform, school uniforms, dress code, uniform, 1st amendment

This is an Essay sample / Research paper, you can use it for your research of: I Introduction part 2