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Do you support school uniforms?

What is your stance on School Uniforms?

  • Yes and the school should offer them at no extra cost.

    Votes: 20 18.3%
  • Yes and the parents should pay for them.

    Votes: 40 36.7%
  • They should be optional for students who want them

    Votes: 2 1.8%
  • There should be school uniforms for specific activities only

    Votes: 3 2.8%
  • We should leave it to the parents to decide if the school should have uniforms

    Votes: 10 9.2%
  • We should leave it at municipal/state level

    Votes: 10 9.2%
  • We shouldn't have school uniforms at all

    Votes: 24 22.0%
  • I like the current way things are.

    Votes: 5 4.6%
  • I hate uniforms

    Votes: 9 8.3%
  • I'm a potato.

    Votes: 13 11.9%

  • Total voters
    109
No nimrod, I don't support kids texting all day in school. But I do support students having the right to wear clothing that may express political, religious, and other personal views. How in the hell you managed to take that to texting is beyond me except for the possibility that you had to dig for the ridiculous instead of addressing school apparel.

Jeez... so you want the three socially awkward kids that do wear clothes like that to feel free to do so at the cost of having uniforms that can solve much more important problems? And prove it crushes individuality already or put a sock in it.
 
Sports teams have not come up; American or state flags have not come up; religious or political gets dicey; Schools have Home Rule. Teenagers are not adults, mentally. They make mistakes and poor choices. If you give them an inch, you'll lose your school.

Our high school has NO problem wearing lanyards with their student ID. Many high schools have given up. What does that teach? High schools have added community service to graduation requirements.

High schools are under tremendous pressure to take ill-prepared 9th-graders and teach them 4 years of Math, English and Science for Junior testing. High school students want Guidance, but of course would never admit this in public. They know that life after high school will be tough. I believe today's teenagers are markedly better-behaved than their predecessors, though not as talented across-the-board.
Nimby, I understand the need for a dress code. When a girl shows up in class in a pair of shorts with half her ass exposed it's an issue. When a young man comes into class with his underwear showing and his pants are down to his knees, that's an issue. But to deny a student to wear a teeshirt depicting his favorite sports team, or an American Flag, or something religious or political that depicts who this individual is, it shouldn't be any skin off of anyone's nose. If you want to teach diversity then you need to allow an atmosphere where it can be experienced.
 
Prove wearing aa uniform prohibits diversity.

What's to prove? When you limit the diversity by making kids choose a handful of approved articles of clothing that does not allow any expression I think that pretty much makes the case for lack of diversity.

Heck some of these schools that have opted for uniforms have a list of backpacks, shoes and lunch boxes that will be acceptable. God forbid the Avengers or Captain America be on a child's lunch box. Idiots.
 
Cell phones are part of school apparel. Get permission to be led around a high school this semester, especially during pass periods, if you dare.

See if the girls hands can touch their legs below their shorts when standing straight up, breaking school rules.

Cell phone texting is at the top of distractions, along with the opposite sex and what you're wearing, etc. Unless you remove distractions from kids, they will not learn.
No nimrod, I don't support kids texting all day in school. But I do support students having the right to wear clothing that may express political, religious, and other personal views. How in the hell you managed to take that to texting is beyond me except for the possibility that you had to dig for the ridiculous instead of addressing school apparel.
 
Neither are the repercussions from bullying new. You may not be aware that bullying now appears on the home page of every school website. There is a reason for this. Have you been to a wake recently for one of your students who committed suicide due to bullying?
So? Kids get picked on and girls wear sexy clothes. None of that is new.
 
Neither are the repercussions from bullying new. You may not be aware that bullying now appears on the home page of every school website. There is a reason for this. Have you been to a wake recently for one of your students who committed suicide due to bullying?

Emotional appeals will get you no where.
 
Do you know what it is like for a man to deal with a high school girl breaking the dress code. The teacher is accused of staring and is put on trial while the girl shows it all. When you meet the Mom, you'll understand the girl. Admins checking girls at the front door would stop this.
Nimby, I understand the need for a dress code. When a girl shows up in class in a pair of shorts with half her ass exposed it's an issue. When a young man comes into class with his underwear showing and his pants are down to his knees, that's an issue. But to deny a student to wear a teeshirt depicting his favorite sports team, or an American Flag, or something religious or political that depicts who this individual is, it shouldn't be any skin off of anyone's nose. If you want to teach diversity then you need to allow an atmosphere where it can be experienced.
 
An expected comment from one who hasn't been there or done that but expects miracles. Libertarian is just another name for nothing left to lose.
Emotional appeals will get you no where.
 
An expected comment from one who hasn't been there or done that but expects miracles. Libertarian is just another name for nothing left to lose.

I don't expect anything. Kids get picked on for being different. Sometimes it's just teasing, but other times the kid is getting beaten up on a regular basis. Most kids get through it, but every once in a while one of them decides to commit suicide. It happens.
 
Cell phones are part of school apparel. Get permission to be led around a high school this semester, especially during pass periods, if you dare.

See if the girls hands can touch their legs below their shorts when standing straight up, breaking school rules.

Cell phone texting is at the top of distractions, along with the opposite sex and what you're wearing, etc. Unless you remove distractions from kids, they will not learn.

I've already addressed my views on the need for rules and dress codes. It is up to the adults in charge to make sure those distractions are removed.

Those adults which include administrators who make a damn good wage should start earning their money the good people pay them.
 
Bullying scars last a lifetime. We as educators have a moral obligation to improve on the past. Many folks in the rest of our many villages, especially in rural America, are seeing things our way, though they do not have the problems of "larger schools" by nature.
I don't expect anything. Kids get picked on for being different. Sometimes it's just teasing, but other times the kid is getting beaten up on a regular basis. Most kids get through it, but every once in a while one of them decides to commit suicide. It happens.
 
An aspect of school uniforms that I support is parents' desire to lessen the cost of school attendance. No need to buy the newest fashions and brands to help a child fit in.

If the primary concern is cost for parents, it seems pretty reasonable.
 
Bullying scars last a lifetime. We as educators have a moral obligation to improve on the past. Many folks in the rest of our many villages, especially in rural America, are seeing things our way, though they do not have the problems of "larger schools" by nature.

Of course bullying scars last a lifetime. They can change how people behave with the world around them and can affect their future prospects in all areas of their life.
 
Do you know what it is like for a man to deal with a high school girl breaking the dress code. The teacher is accused of staring and is put on trial while the girl shows it all. When you meet the Mom, you'll understand the girl. Admins checking girls at the front door would stop this.

Nimby I understand you are being put in a difficult situation. Being a teacher these days is trying to say the least. But that doesn't justify forcing all students into wearing uniforms. Instead it sounds like most need administrators with a pair to eliminate the problem before the students ever reach your classroom. Students shouldn't be denied their right to expression just because of a minority who have no respect for the rules. I believe this mindset of making new rules and codes to stop a minority of lawbreakers is the same thing our legislators do constantly making new laws to stop the minority that abuse their freedom. In the process they may stop the minority but deny freedom/liberties to many law abiding citizens in the process.
 
I'm against school uniforms because they are often ugly, uncomfortable, and sexist. It also just seems a bit Orwellian to equalize everyone's appearance on top of making public school mandatory.

If kids are being forced to swallow the blue pill then they should at least be allowed to wear what they want. And if there are concerns about bullying over classism, then it's bullying that should be addressed.
 
Hopefully you are not an educator because an attitude like yours is a no starter and a total FAIL. Not all kids are enthused about learning. Tell them they have to wear a friggen uniform and that may be the cherry on the sundae that breaks them.
But I am an educator and I'm the one telling you how ridiculous your positions have been. I've seen myself the difference between pre-dress code and post dress code and not a single person broke their sundae.
I've listen to the proponents of school uniforms claiming they would instill discipline and prevent gang-related violence.
They have. In fact, the reason our school began seriously investigating going to a stricter dress code is because of the success a school about 75 miles south of us had in minimizing gang-related discipline issues.

They say uniforms and some dress codes lessen peer pressure aggravated by socioeconomic divisions.
Also true.

This debate has been raging for over a decade and there is no proof that is the case.
I have two pieces of evidence I've seen firsthand to suggest it is the case.

But what it does do is teach these minds of mush making them all dress like one another is that everyone should be socioeconomically equal.
No it doesn't. That's utterly ridiculous. What it teaches the students is to see each student as an individual, not as a socioeconomic status.

In Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969). In this famous decision, the Court ruled 7-2 that public school officials could not censor student expression — the wearing of black armbands, in that case — unless they could reasonably forecast that the student expression would cause substantial disruption or material interference with school activities or would invade the rights of others. The black arm bands were in protest to the Vietnam war. Several school distrists have overcome zealots in their communities trying to implement school uniform by using this case. May they continue to have success.
Yes, the school deliberately tried to censor political speech of certain individuals for the sole intention of censoring political speech and for no educational or safety reasons. That is why they lost.

A uniform/strict dress code is not about that purpose. You cannot anticipate future political expression, but you can show an improved learning environment. As long as your dress code is intended to improve the learning environment and/or safety of students, and as long as it is not directed towards any particular type of individual, courts have generally held dress codes/uniforms are okay.

If you want to teach diversity then you need to allow an atmosphere where it can be experienced.
If you think diversity is related to what you wear to school, then I'm not sure you'll ever be willing to understand why you are wrong.

You have several teachers and former teachers in this thread telling you the benefits and experiences they have had first hand. I cannot give you specifics due to privacy reasons, but I've already mentioned we have had lower discipline issues and better test scores. You're denying all of this for some silly "freedom of expression" nonsense. There are plenty of ways to express yourself besides mass produced designer clothing.
So? Kids get picked on and girls wear sexy clothes. None of that is new.
Ahh...so you're okay with kids being bullied? Interesting...

No nimrod, I don't support kids texting all day in school.
You're infringing on their 1st Amendment right to express themselves. Shame on you!

But I do support students having the right to wear clothing that may express political, religious, and other personal views. How in the hell you managed to take that to texting is beyond me except for the possibility that you had to dig for the ridiculous instead of addressing school apparel.
It's pretty clear the point. But I'll go ahead and set it up...why shouldn't kids be able to text in class, if you believe in their first amendment right to express themselves?

Emotional appeals will get you no where.
That wasn't an emotional appeal, it was a fact. You being okay with kids being bullied, sometimes to the point of death, is very unsettling.
Do you know what it is like for a man to deal with a high school girl breaking the dress code. The teacher is accused of staring and is put on trial while the girl shows it all. When you meet the Mom, you'll understand the girl. Admins checking girls at the front door would stop this.
I've gotten to the point where I don't care. If a girl is wearing something inappropriate, I'll say something if I have to.

I don't expect anything. Kids get picked on for being different. Sometimes it's just teasing, but other times the kid is getting beaten up on a regular basis. Most kids get through it, but every once in a while one of them decides to commit suicide. It happens.
Your cavalier attitude towards bullying and suicide of children is leading to me having absolutely no respect for you.
I've already addressed my views on the need for rules and dress codes. It is up to the adults in charge to make sure those distractions are removed.

Those adults which include administrators who make a damn good wage should start earning their money the good people pay them.
So you agree the people whose job it is to remove distractions should do so, but only as long as you agree with their decision. Got it.

Nimby I understand you are being put in a difficult situation. Being a teacher these days is trying to say the least. But that doesn't justify forcing all students into wearing uniforms. Instead it sounds like most need administrators with a pair to eliminate the problem before the students ever reach your classroom. Students shouldn't be denied their right to expression just because of a minority who have no respect for the rules. I believe this mindset of making new rules and codes to stop a minority of lawbreakers is the same thing our legislators do constantly making new laws to stop the minority that abuse their freedom. In the process they may stop the minority but deny freedom/liberties to many law abiding citizens in the process.
Dress code rules positively affect all of the student body. It's not just about the minority.
 
g
Well then show them the 6 or so colors of polo shirts you want them to wear and see if that helps get them interested in attending class duh!! Good luck with that one.

Nah. I'd rather have them focus on all the interesting tidbits of knowledge I had to offer, and the methodologies I used that helped them enjoy coming to classes.

All that without the distractions created by comparison shopping for the newest clothing fads, thanks. :)
 
Nah. I'd rather have them focus on all the interesting tidbits of knowledge I had to offer, and the methodologies I used that helped them enjoy coming to classes.

All that without the distractions created by comparison shopping for the newest clothing fads, thanks. :)

Those "distractions" should be individually addressed and not collectively force everyone to wear a uniform to eliminate the problem. Why not target these individuals for control measures instead of everyone? Why not target these individuals for expulsion instead of treating the entire student body as if they were a threat of some sort? And or enforcement of a reasonable dress code.

It isn't the clothes that are causing the bad behavior and poor performance of students. It goes much deeper than that. But hey maybe that is why some folks don't want to dwell there and instead opt for a Band-Aid solution like uniforms.

I think freedom-minded people tend to be against uniforms because it diminishes freedom of expression. And find it rather surprising that there are so many who have commented here see it perfectly alright to force their children to dress up like pro-golfers and somehow that is going to make it all better.
 
Ahh...so you're okay with kids being bullied? Interesting...

Nope. I just think that if bullying is the issue you address bullying. You don't address the entire student body that to the most part is getting along when the problem is a few individuals that are being uncivil to their fellow students. Deal with those students that are being uncivil and leave the rest of the student body alone.

That wasn't an emotional appeal, it was a fact. You being okay with kids being bullied, sometimes to the point of death, is very unsettling.

Actually, it was. His intent on bringing it up was to appeal to my emotions.

Your cavalier attitude towards bullying and suicide of children is leading to me having absolutely no respect for you.

There is no such thing taking place. I just reject the argument that bullying is a legitimate reason to restrict the freedom of innocent parties.
 
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Those "distractions" should be individually addressed and not collectively force everyone to wear a uniform to eliminate the problem. Why not target these individuals for control measures instead of everyone? Why not target these individuals for expulsion instead of treating the entire student body as if they were a threat of some sort? And or enforcement of a reasonable dress code.

We are targeting the PROBLEM. Targeting "individuals" in this case is a waste of time and effort.

It isn't the clothes that are causing the bad behavior and poor performance of students. It goes much deeper than that. But hey maybe that is why some folks don't want to dwell there and instead opt for a Band-Aid solution like uniforms.

I think freedom-minded people tend to be against uniforms because it diminishes freedom of expression. And find it rather surprising that there are so many who have commented here see it perfectly alright to force their children to dress up like pro-golfers and somehow that is going to make it all better.

Children in primary schools do not need to "express themselves" via fashion sense. They are free to express themselves by using their minds in class, writing, doing projects, participating. They can express themselves in sports, music, performing arts, arts, shop, student government, student newspaper, creative writing, clubs and organizations. They have all sorts of methods to express themselves that do not need the latest clothing fads. After school, they can dress however they want because they will only be hanging out with who they want.

All the positives of school uniforms have already been cited. All you have in response is "freedom of expression" in "clothing and fashion?" Geeez!
 
We are targeting the PROBLEM. Targeting "individuals" in this case is a waste of time and effort.

Wow, so targeting the people that actually are the problem is a waste of time and effort? Seriously? It's not a waste of time and effort if you keep in mind that the number one goal is to maintain as much freedom as possible for all involved. Since the vast majority are doing nothing wrong there is no reason to act on them.
 
Wow, so targeting the people that actually are the problem is a waste of time and effort? Seriously? It's not a waste of time and effort if you keep in mind that the number one goal is to maintain as much freedom as possible for all involved. Since the vast majority are doing nothing wrong there is no reason to act on them.

Students have plenty of freedom. The loss of a privilege to wear whatever they want in school is no "loss of freedom" when dealing with a protected class.

As for "problem students?" The system will still deal with drugs, fighting, and whatever other counseling issues arise. Clothing issues (Uniforms already shown to have major positives and only ONE half-assed negative) need not be one of them.
 
We are targeting the PROBLEM. Targeting "individuals" in this case is a waste of time and effort.



Children in primary schools do not need to "express themselves" via fashion sense. They are free to express themselves by using their minds in class, writing, doing projects, participating. They can express themselves in sports, music, performing arts, arts, shop, student government, student newspaper, creative writing, clubs and organizations. They have all sorts of methods to express themselves that do not need the latest clothing fads. After school, they can dress however they want because they will only be hanging out with who they want.

All the positives of school uniforms have already been cited. All you have in response is "freedom of expression" in "clothing and fashion?" Geeez!

The use of Uniforms isn't targeting the problem, its nothing more than a one size fits all mentality.
Don't try to make this all about fashion because that is a fallacy. Parents that have to pay for uniforms for school use then another set of clothing to wear when their children regain their freedoms to express themselves after school is a financial burden for many. The good news is people have the right to overturn such decisions within their school districts. So there is always hope.
 
Students have plenty of freedom. The loss of a privilege to wear whatever they want in school is no "loss of freedom" when dealing with a protected class.

A protecting class? Children still deserve freedom and respect. Just because you can control children without limit does not mean you should.

As for "problem students?" The system will still deal with drugs, fighting, and whatever other counseling issues arise. Clothing issues (Uniforms already shown to have major positives and only ONE half-assed negative) need not be one of them.

The one so called half-ass negative is pretty damn important. Totally control is no solution at all.
 
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