FCAs Lauren Cassella
1.Supporting details March 31, 2011
2.Parallel structure English 6-1
3.Sophisticated vocabulary School Uniforms



Dear Superintendent DiMuzio:

“When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.” (Charles Evan Hughes) Freedom should be valued, for it is a big privilege. Currently, many schools require students K-12 to wear school uniforms. The Board of Education is considering making uniforms mandatory for all students. If passed, they will be necessary for the upcoming school year. The outcome of requiring school uniforms has many disadvantages. It is in the favorable choice of the school board to not be required to wear school uniforms because they are expensive, students won’t be able to express themselves through clothing, and they do not make schools any safer than they currently are.
On the surface, buying only a few uniform seems less costly. However, students will want to keep up with the latest trends outside of school. After school ends, they will immediately change into typical clothes. Typical clothes are also for other days, such as weekends, so parents will actually be buying their children two sets of clothes to wear. School uniforms are more expensive because they are more elaborate than ordinary clothes. Advocates of school uniforms claim that since students are wearing uniforms to school, they won’t need many other clothes. Yet for in the summer, and for extracurricular activities, students will need other apparel as well.
When students have the privilege to dress in the clothes of their choice, they feel more motivated to learn because of their self-image. Students dressing in the clothes they choose to is an outlet to creativity. Proponents of school uniforms claim children’s style is too distracting. Yet self expression teaches creativity to the students. When students are able to express themselves, it makes learning less difficult. Dressing as they choose to also gets students used to making their own decisions, which prepares them for adulthood. Being allowed to choose which clothing to wear helps foster creativity and decision-making.
The lack of uniforms doesn’t have to jeopardize safety. In fact, casual clothing can be just as safe as uniforms. Schools can still have rules and restrictions, even though school uniforms aren’t mandatory. For example, to prevent intruders, schools can provide student IDs. This will ensure that each students belongs to the school they are attending. Schools can also create a policy that excludes baggy clothing or any apparel that is inappropriate for school. People who prefer school uniforms claim that intruders can easily blend in to the school they are trespassing when every student is wearing something different. Unfortunately, no studies prove school uniforms reduce the crime rate in schools. Restricting children’s choice of clothing is no the only way to ensure safety in a school setting.
The result of uniforms becoming mandatory has its shortcomings. The lack of them due to their exorbitant price will save student’s families money. Wearing casual or ordinary clothes to school also promotes self-expression and creativity. Lastly, school uniforms don’t make schools any safer than they already are. Requiring school uniforms would not be a wise decision and shouldn’t be enforced due to the economic impact as well many other disadvantages which will affect our society.
Sincerely,
Lauren Cassella