Why School Uniforms Should Be Mandatory Research Paper

Why School Uniforms Should Be Mandatory - Research Paper Example Arguments against and for this policy are therefore considered in the light of some recent studies of this issue. This paper proposes that school uniforms should be mandatory because they foster team spirit and self- respect in a culture which too often promotes selfish individualism and rebellion. One of the most common arguments cited against the use of mandatory school uniforms is that of the right of the individual to freedom of expression. This right is guaranteed in the First Amendment (Isaacson, 1998, p. 1) and is designed to allow equal opportunities for people who have different cultures, religions, and personal convictions to distinguish themselves. It is argued that school uniforms can impose one particular style upon students, and that this is not fair to those who come from a minority group which does not share the beliefs and taste of the dominant group. Other criticisms include the study Brunsma which reviews over 100 articles on the topic of school uniform policy and concludes that mandatory school uniforms have no clear benefit for schools or students and may in fact encourage both students and parents to feel excluded from key school policies and decisions. (Brunsma, p. 186)