School uniforms: loved by many… loathed by others. Whether or not to enforce a dress code or implement a full school uniform requirement can significantly alter your school culture and climate. We have laid out the opportunities and challenges that exist for uniform and dress code implementation so that schools can make an informed choice. We also address how to avoid as many pitfalls as possible when you transition to a new dress code.
Cate Reed, seasoned administrator, current Senior Vice President of Teach For America, and Possip Reporter, discusses pros and cons of uniforms and identifies pitfalls to avoid.
You can find arguments for and against uniforms and dress codes everywhere. Whatever your school decides, you want minimal controversy and maximum compliance once they are in place. Consider all the pros and cons when deciding if they are right for your school.
Pros of Dress Codes or Uniforms
Can Promote a Sense of Equality: School uniforms can help create a sense of equality among students by minimizing socio-economic differences in clothing. When everyone wears the same attire, it reduces the visibility of income disparities among students.
Reduces Peer Pressure: Uniforms can alleviate the pressure to wear trendy or expensive clothes, reducing the impact of peer pressure based on fashion choices. This can create a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Enhances a Sense of Belonging: Uniforms contribute to a sense of belonging and school pride. When students wear the same uniform, it fosters a shared identity and reinforces a feeling of unity within the school community.
Promotes School Safety: Uniforms make it easier to identify individuals who do not belong on school grounds, enhancing overall security. This can help school staff quickly identify intruders or individuals who may pose a threat.
Simplifies Morning Routines: Uniforms can simplify the morning routine for both students and parents. Children spend less time deciding what to wear, reducing morning stress and potential conflicts.
Cons of Dress Codes or Uniforms
Can Limit Expression of Individuality: Some argue that uniforms or strict dress codes limit students’ ability to express their individuality. Clothing can be a form of self-expression, and some argue that uniforms stifle creativity and personal identity.
Financial Burden on Families: Uniforms, especially if they are specific or branded, can be expensive. This places a financial burden on families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Critics argue that the cost of uniforms can contribute to inequality rather than reducing it. Further, if the school changes the logo or branding, this can be an additional cost burden on families. Handle changes with extreme flexibility, allowing the previous uniform for several years while families transition to the new style.
Enforcement Challenges: Implementing and enforcing a dress code can be challenging. School staff may spend a considerable amount of time addressing dress code violations, which could otherwise be used for educational purposes.
5 Things to Consider When Making the Switch
If you’ve decided to incorporate a new or different dress code, make sure to take the following points into consideration:
1. Select easily found uniform or dress code options.
Be sure whatever you pick can be found at Walmart, Target, or Old Navy. Families should not have to search far and wide to find what they need to go to school.
2. Ensure Equity
Select easy-to-find items at reasonable price points. What children wear to school should not cause a financial burden for any family.
Consider age appropriateness. As girls reach puberty, light/tan bottoms can create embarrassing moments for them. Make sure to offer dark bottom options.
Don’t over-gender the options. Don’t force girls to wear skirts and if you permit shorts, be consistent in the length you expect of all children.
Consider cultural traditions. Ensure there are ways for children to wear any religious or cultural items alongside their uniforms. Be sure that headscarves, yarmulkes, or certain hairstyles such as braids or dreadlocks are not “banned” as a part of attempting consistency.
3. Be Consistent
Have a plan to be consistent. If you have consequences for not wearing the uniform, apply it evenly and ensure teachers are all on the same page. If kids sense they will not be held accountable for violating the policy, then it will fall by the wayside and cause more trouble than it is worth!
4. Create Opportunities for Uniform Reuse
Can kids wear these clothes outside of school? Families should be able to let their kids wear uniform clothes on errands, to the park, or church and not stick out.
Can you create a school store where families can bring in gently used items they have outgrown for very cheap resale ($1 or $2) as a fundraiser for the school? Families could staff the store one morning a week and it also gives families a way to supplement their stock mid-year when kids rip items or outgrow something.
5. Prepare for Questions
Certain topics hit families in different ways – and uniforms hit the pocketbook, first and foremost. Consider a family with multiple children at your school. If they need to buy a week’s worth of brand new uniforms for three children, this can be a considerable expense. Families with multiple children can be used to using hand-me-downs from sibling to sibling, so the sticker price shock can be even more intense for them.
If parents have questions about your uniform policy, make sure you have the following points well-defined with your team and staff:
- Why does your school think uniforms serve students?
- How do you think it will improve the school climate and culture and student outcomes?
- What financial support can you offer to families with hardships?
- How are you ensuring equity and what all did you consider when creating the new dress code or uniform requirement?
- If you are using a vendor and their supplies are limited or delayed, how will you communicate with and provide grace to families who are struggling with a situation out of their control
No matter what you decide, you will want to ensure you codify your dress code policies for families. Ensure they have ample time to prepare for the school year so they can come to school ready to learn!
