1. SCHOOL UNIFORMS John Denton Education 101 Ivy Tech Community College Dr. Coleman

2. People have debated on this topic for many years. It has been a major issue for school boards and administrators, and a tough decision as to whether or not their schools should have a uniform. WHY IS IT CONTROVERSIAL?

3. I am against school uniforms! MY POSITION

4. School uniforms create a lack of self expression. Students should be able to express themselves in any manner that they want to. Some students like to express themselves through their clothing choices. Unnecessary Expense: some people argue that school uniforms are cheaper than regular clothing. That may be true, however students still need regular clothing. They can’t walk around in school uniforms all of the time. Therefore, uniforms are an unnecessary expense. PROS

5. Creates less diversity: schools should be a place of diversity and have a place for everyone. Uniforms create less diversity and force students to be the same. No evidence of increasing school performance: some argue that uniforms create less of a distraction and let students just focus on school. However, there is no evidence at all of uniforms increasing school performance. Takes away individuality: students cannot identify as individuals and be themselves if they are forced to dress a certain way. PROS CONT…

6. Creates less of a distraction Adds a sense of discipline Uniforms are more professional and promote a work- place environment. Students will be in work clothes and not play clothes. Will make them want to work harder. Cut down bullying Easier for schools to create a system with uniforms, rather than a complicated dress code. CONS

7. Did anyone have to wear uniforms in school? How did it change your educational experience? Why are you against uniforms? Why are you for uniforms? TOPICS OF DISCUSSION

8. Fetzer, K. J. (2008). School Uniforms Stifle Freedom of Expression. In J. Carroll (Ed.), Opposing Viewpoints. School Policies. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from Erosion of Freedom, Salt Lake Tribune, p. F2, 2002, April 18) Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com.indianapolis.libproxy.ivytech.edu.allstate.libproxy.ivytech.edu/ic/ovic/Vi ewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Viewpoints&disableHighlig hting=true&search_within_results=&prodId=OVIC&action=2&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ30 10509218&userGroupName=imcpl45550&jsid=7171f0ef101 Haynes, C. (2005). School Dress Codes Limit Students' Freedom of Expression. In J. Carroll (Ed.), Opposing Viewpoints. Students' Rights. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from T-Shirt Rebellion in the Land of the Free, First Amendment Center, 2004) Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com.indianapolis.libproxy.ivytech.edu.allstate.libproxy.ivytech.edu/ic/ovic/Vi ewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Viewpoints&disableHighlig hting=true&search_within_results=&prodId=OVIC&action=2&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ30 10398216&userGroupName=imcpl45550&jsid=90dbceb7db REFERENCES