School uniforms have been considered a controversial topic for some time now, but they are just an obstacle overall. While most schools across the nation have a strict dress code, about 18.8% of public schools and 57% of private schools require uniforms. 

A student’s outfit or choice of clothing is a way they can express them self as an individual and show off what they are comfortable in. If one takes away that sense of expression, it may leave the student feeling like it is a punishment for being who they are. If you go into a school one of the first things you notice is the students: how they’re dressed, how they style their hair, and even their makeup. Each outfit is unique to them and their personality.

If a school comes to the decision of enforcing a new policy, that policy can often lead to rebellion. Students who disagree with wearing a uniform often rebel. Choosing to ignore or “protest” the new rule by simply ignoring it or going to extremes to get their point across. Instead of wearing their normal outfit, they might challenge it and enhance their outfits to stand out even more.

Effectuating uniforms can become an issue for the guardian or those who must purchase them. School uniforms can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 in total. With a shirt, skirt, pants/shorts, socks, jacket, and other accessories the school may want that can be costly for parents. Parents shouldn’t just be handed a bill that they need to purchase a uniform just to attend school. That puts the child’s already existing wardrobe to waste, and that adult’s money to waste. Not all students’ parent(s) can afford to have to go out of their way to get a school uniform because not all adults make the same income. You never know someone’s money situation so schools should leave it alone.

School uniforms may also be considered sexist. Some schools require girls to wear skirts and boys to wear pants. However, some girls may not want to wear a skirt all day everyday. Wearing a skirt may go against one’s religious beliefs. Weather is also something to put into consideration. If a school is located in an area that is warm one part of the year but cold the next, wearing skirts can be uncomfortable and a jacket won’t fix it if their legs are exposed. 

Although uniforms have benefits like showing unity in the sense of being a community, eliminating distractions to improve the learning environment, and promote school spirit, focusing on helping the student become a better individual and promote their personality should be more important. Allowing a student to dress how they want allows them to become more secure and confident in themselves should be the number one priority. Stand up for the identities and individuality of the future generations, because they are the future.