This is part two of Assignment 1.1 and 1.2

Argument 1- School uniforms restricts people from freedom of expression

Those in opposition argue that the first amendment contained in the United States constitutions do allow individuals to express themselves freely. It goes further to quote the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (7-2, 1969) which was ruled that neither teachers nor other students are allowed to the shed the constitutions rights to freedom of the speech or expression at the school gate. The mention of the first amendment is of great importance to the standing of this argument. It is, however, important to point out the fact a wearing uniforms while going to school is not in any way infringing of an individual’s freedom. In this argument goes further to point use the case of Richards v. Thurston (3-0), where a boy had refused to cut their hair cut shorter in that it compelled conformity to conventional standards. The court ruled out that the clothing choices are also formed a crucial form of self-expression. The court also ruled that allowing students to choose their clothing is empowering the message that the student is a maturing person and is entitled to the most basic self-determination. This point seems make to make a lot of sense, but presents some of the weakness. I do not believe that dressing should be used to measure maturity in any case. There are many matured individuals that do not dress well, and that there are also very young individuals that dress neatly or sharply. It, therefore means the issue of dressing should not be used to arrive at the conclusion for it to be used to make judgment (PRO.CON.ORG, n.d).

Argument 2- school uniforms promote conformity over individuality

In support of the conformity over individual brought about by the school uniforms, the opposition claims that this is a time in which schools should be encouraging diversity. They claim that introduction of school uniforms sends a conditionary message. It quotes an article that was written by Chicago Junior high student Kyler Sumter. The author of the article claimed that they are being taught about the Rosa Parks, Susan B. Antony, and Booker T. Washington yet there are not allowed to express themselves in their hallways. Some continue to compare the wearing of the uniforms to criminal gangs and prisons and that the ultimate way in which rebellion can be crushed is through conformity or rebellion. These individuals’ claims that in schools uniforms are normally gendered with girls being required to put on skirts and boys pants and that the transgendered individuals are left behind. This argument has, however, many faults and do not agree with most of the arguments presented in it. First putting in of schools uniforms does not introduced any form of discrimination. Transgender individuals do fit in any case and before deciding on the type of uniforms the student has to put, on the parent or guardian can discuss the issues with the school first. Using an article that was written by a junior student is not sufficient enough to justify the points mentioned. It is important to point out that it is common for the children judgments to be compromised (PRO.CON.ORG, n.d).

Argument 3- school uniforms do not stop bullying and increase violent attacks

The opposers claims that there is no evidence linking the use of school uniforms to reduce bulling and violence in school. They also argue that indeed adoption of the uniforms in school increased instances of the bullying. The research found that introduction of uniforms increased the number of assaults. While this arguments could seem to make great sense, there are some weaknesses presented in it. First comes from it is possible that the rise in violence and bulling in schools could not be directly linked to adoption of uniforms in schools, but rather other factors. The research was conducted on one areas and thus conclusions cannot be arrived at based on this research (PRO.CON.ORG, n.d).

Conclusion

Individuals or groups in opposition of the school uniforms in schools do present good points to support their statements. From the arguments it can be seen that their arguments presents some faults. Schools uniforms cannot be blamed for increased violence in institutions. Other factors could have been the cause of these violence. It does not restrict students’ freedom of expression or promote conformity over individuality (PRO.CON.ORG, n.d).

References