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Don’t bring uniforms to public high schools

By Dominick R.


In the dictionary, the word uniform is described as “the distinctive  clothing worn  by members  of the same organization or body or by children  attending certain schools.” It can also mean “remaining  the same in all cases and at all times; unchanging  in form or characters.”   At Airport high school we are fortunate enough to not have uniforms. The issue of uniforms is important to AHS students because we could get them here someday. The kids that go to New Bridge Academy already have to wear uniforms, and so who’s to say that uniforms won’t come to AHS?  The New Bridge kids complain it's too much.  Some people feel the uniforms make them feel like they got to change who they are to be like everybody else, whereas some other students love uniforms and want for AHS to wear them in all regular schools. My  opinion is that uniforms are totally unnecessary and students should not have to wear them.


The First reason is regular schools wear regular clothes, so why would we  go and do something so random and radical? As start wearing uniforms .According to the National Center for Education statistics, fewer than 20% of public schools require uniforms . If it had real benefits, more schools would be doing it.students all over the world are complaining about wearing uniforms because 


Secondly, uniforms don’t let kids express themselves, aren’t equally fair to boys and girls, and require lost of laundry.  Many students use fashion as a way to communicate who they are and express who they are and what they stand for, or even their mood. By Schools enforcing uniforms, it makes students feel like they look bad and,how much it costs , rewashing the same clothing everyday if you waste something on it doesn't give students the ability  to express themselves through wearing their regular clothes then the plain dark uniforms. Some students say it makes them feel uncomfortable in the same types of clothing because uniforms are a one fits all mentality; it just doesn't fit everybody's body type or personal preferences. 


A third reason to avoid reasons is money.  It also cost more money buying uniforms every than then buying regular clothes. The average uniform cost between $25-500, according to Uniform Market.com, which might be money people do not have. School uniforms are 12% costlier for girls than men because they got dress and skirts and also shirt and pants. Parents  have noticed thigh high costs and do not want to pay all that for uniforms. according to Graziadaily.co.ukThey soon  realize that one dress can cost upwards of $20, while five plain cotton long-sleeved tops from the boys section are the same price. It's absurd that clothes marketed towards girls are so much more expensive, but that’s a topic for a different day. 


Additionally, uniforms are not always suited to the climate or seasonal changes. For example, many uniforms require boys to wear pants; however, if you lived in south Florida, come spring and summer, those pants would make you hot all the time. 


While there are valid reasons to support the idea that students should not wear uniforms, there are also several important reasons why requiring uniforms in schools can be beneficial and important for other schools. Supporters of uniforms argue that they promote equality, discipline, and a focus on education. According to data summarized on the ProCon.org website, uniforms have been shown to deter crime and increase student safety and keep students focused on their education not their clothes. These counter arguments can help clarify the potential advantages of having students wear uniforms, despite concerns about personal expression, comfort, and financial burden. However, the benefits of uniforms are not worth the cost to parents nor the removal of free expression through clothing that students will experience.  


When asked by other students how they feel  about uniforms, sophomore at Airport High School, Adam B. stated, “We don't need to wear them because they ugly. They are unfair to people to express themselves that they are not able to wear these ugly uniforms." Another student Junior Madison E. stated, “I dress how I feel that day uniforms prevent me from doing that. Uniforms cost too much money. It's cheaper to wear the clothes we want because we already have them but if we have to wear uniforms you have to buy way more uniforms, shirts and pants etc.


To get more of an understanding of how  our teachers are feeling about this issue, I spoke to one of our school teacher Mrs. Snelgrove stated, “School uniforms create a sense of equality and focus, helping students concentrate on learning rather than fashion it also a sense of discipline and responsibility in students its sets a tone for a serious and focused educational atmosphere. I also spoke to Ms. Allen, who  stated, “I think uniforms make it easier to identify students, enhance the security within the school premises and also uniforms foster a sense of belonging and school pride. They can enhance the school’s identity and unity among students."


In closing, Airport high school and public schools shouldn't bring in uniforms because they can suppress individuality and self-expression among students. Uniforms may also impose additional financial burdens on families who need to purchase specific clothing items. Furthermore, the focus on enforcing uniform policies can divert attention from more critical educational goals and issues. Allowing students to choose their attire fosters a more inclusive and diverse environment, encouraging creativity and personal growth. DON'T BRING IN UNIFORMS.


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