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Private Schools Should Have Students Wear Uniforms

When the subject of mandatory school uniforms comes into question, the first words on opposing parents" lips is in regards to kids" lost sense of individuality and freedom of expression. Kids need to mark themselves as part of the herd but still be wholly individual from their peer groups, which is why uniforms can sometimes be seen as problematic. Some parents also worry that when the freedom to express themselves through their wardrobe is removed, kids will resort to more extreme forms of expression like piercings and tattoos. School should be a breeding ground for acceptance and tolerance, as it"s a smaller-scale version of the world at large in many cases. Kids need to learn to accept and celebrate each other"s differences, up to and including the way that different cultures dress. Some religions have strict rules about what is and is not considered acceptable dress, and school uniforms may not always fall in line with those religious requirements. Allowing some kids dispensation on religious grounds will only make them stand out more in a sea of uniforms, potentially leading to bullying and harassment. For some parents, being able to purchase clothing at the beginning of the school year that adheres to the uniform code is a financial relief. After all, most uniforms are comprised of staple garments easily purchased at discount stores. For others, however, being forced to purchase specific clothing infringes upon their kids" right to a free education.