I believe all people have the right to express themselves. However, with rights come responsibility, a concept most people ignore. The "right" is to be free to express oneself. The "responsibility" is doing it constructively, in such a way as to not violate policies, laws, and others' rights; keep this in mind as you read the following. Also, there is a difference between a dress code and a school uniform. I support implementing a dress code, not school uniforms. I am dealing with the public school systems here, not private schools. A private school has the right to implement a form of dress code or uniforms, among other rules, and if you do not want to abide by that school's rules, don't go there. This article focuses on public schools, not private.
While in school, teachers have a responsibility to teach and students have the responsibility to learn. Both have the right to exist in their environment without harassment and the right to express their individuality. Some people have found some expressions crude, obnoxious, and distracting. To combat the problem, the idea of mandating school uniforms was introduced. This notion of making everyone appear 'uniformed' cutting down on violence and negativity in school, is absolutely misplaced.
School was designed to equally teach all children not only book knowledge but also offer practice in cooperation with others on a social scale. The home was designed to teach children right from wrong, to respect and obey authority, and how to socially function properly with others. The sad part is parents have relinquished their duty leaving it in the hands of school boards and teachers. Schools accommodate these lazy parents in many ways. For example, schools began serving breakfast so children not being fed at home can actually eat breakfast at school. Schools also have gone on to restrict many foods and beverages deemed 'inappropriate' such as chips, soda, etc. Schools have been made to pick up the slack of irresponsible parents. They do so with the best of intentions, but it has lead to many problems. It is not the school's responsibility to teach neither morals, principles nor the entirety of social interaction, this is a responsibility of the home and parents therein. Proper behavior should be taught at home and re-enforced in school. If the rules are violated, proper punishment should follow. A violation at home should result in a 'home based' punishment. A violation at school should result in a 'school based' punishment AND a 'home punishment,' each requiring appropriate punishment for the violation.
Now, back to school uniforms. Kids have the right to express themselves, non-violently. It's done by wearing various rock band tee shirts, different brands of jeans, Polo tennis sweaters, or even dyed hair. Just because a certain person or group does not like one or any of those things does not give them the right to dictate what someone should wear. I have yet to hear a good logical argument for the implementation of school uniforms. In the Readers' Feedback section, you'll find arguments for school uniforms and my responses.
We all have rights but lets not forget the responsibility that comes along with those rights. Parents, your responsibility is to teach your children proper morals, how to function in society, and the importance of a conscience. Teachers, your responsibility is to give children the book knowledge needed to become educated citizens. And young people, you have a responsibility to respect and obey authority. Parents need to take back their role as the authority over their children. Schools need to return to their proper and intended function. Children need to respect authority, their peers, and themselves.
Get your own Free Home Page