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Benefits of Uniforms in Public Schools

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Benefits of Uniforms within the Public School System
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March 6, 2011

Benefits of Uniforms within the Public School System

For generation after generation children, parents, and people of authority have had differing opinions regarding what is appropriate for students’ fashion and appearance. The last 60 years have seen numerous transformations in the way students dress within the public school system. In the 1950s students dressed modestly and wore what would today be considered Sunday best clothes. Today’s students go to school with cleavage, midriffs, and undergarments exposed and wear clothes that have been intentionally cut-up or torn for the purpose of fashion. In the last two decades the discussion on student dress has been focused on creating a safe and professional atmosphere for students to learn in. School uniforms and dress codes are competent ways to improve discipline and motivation amongst students in school and do not limit the way students express their individuality.

History of School Uniforms School uniforms have a long history not only in the United States, but elsewhere around the world. One of the first countries to originate the use of school uniforms was England. In the year 1222 the archbishop of Canterbury mandated that all English scholars dress in robes that resembled those of a monk. It is from this initial uniform that today’s high school and university graduates model graduation robes after. Soon after the archbishop of Canterbury required English students to wear uniforms, hospitals throughout England employed uniforms to assist in the clothing of poor children and promote compliance (Weber, 2009). [pic] Native American students at Carlisle Indian Industrial School in school attire 1890. Photo courtesy of californiaindianeducation.org

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