Uniforms could help students dress for success

Some say school uniforms promote professionalism in a child, decrease the amount of violence and bring an overall sense of equality to students. These are all positive reasons for school uniforms that should be thought about when discussing the topic.

When parents dress up for work it demonstrates that they are dressing for success. Due to children looking up to their parents and making this connection it is thought that by wearing a uniform to school it shows students are being professional and taking it seriously. Instead of waking up last minute and throwing on some scrubs, students are required to dress presentably — as would anyone wanting to keep their job. Students are learning habits that will prepare them for future careers.

Another huge contributing factor would be the reduction of violence that appears when uniforms are mandatory. It can only be obvious that once everyone is wearing the same outfit no one can be teased about clothing. Violence then brought upon by fashion and name brand issues is then less apparent.

“I don’t think there is much harassment going on about clothing. However, I do think that requiring uniforms would be a bad choice because it restricts students from expressing themselves,” said sophomore Christopher Ziegler.

Even though there may be little bullying going on in Colony High School, clothing is always going to be something people are constantly judged about.

While it is true that uniforms limit the way students express themselves, school is a place to learn, not a fashion show, and if clothing is the only way someone can express him or herself then that alone presents a problem.

To go along with the teasing that can come from clothes, uniforms also present a means of equality. With everyone in the same clothes no one has something better or worse than anyone else.

There can be no distinctions between who has the Coach shoes or the Crocs. Being on the same level then draws confidence from the students who don’t have the latest trends. Also, with no way to divide people due to what they wear, students are brought together in a greater way. School uniforms encourage a greater means of school spirit, a common thing that all students share and connect with.

While the most frequently heard response to school uniforms that is negative would be how the students’ individuality is being taken, there are many positive effects that overcome this.

While Colony High School is doing just fine without this requirement, it should be something to consider when trying to improve the school.

Casey Branch is a sophomore at Colony High School.