School Uniforms: The Better Fit By: Megin Houser

School uniforms should be required in public schools O They are a lot cheaper than buying regular clothes O They prepare students for their futures in the workplace O They prevent gangs and make the schools safer O They reduce bullying and social conflict

Uniforms are cheaper overall *Counter Argument: Low income families cannot afford to buy new uniforms O There are clothing drives and people who are willing to help low income families. O $80 less was spent on uniforms than regular clothing.

Uniforms prepare students for their futures * Counter argument: Students are not in the workforce yet and still have a right to choose what to wear. O They present a professional appearance. O They are a reality of the workplace in the adult world

Uniforms prevent gangs and make the schools safer *Counter argument: Gangs will show their colors. It doesn’t matter what they are wearing. O When everyone looks alike, there is less risk of being caught in gang fights for wearing the wrong color O School crime rates dropped overall by 91% O Intruders are easily spotted.

Uniforms reduce the amount of bullying *Counter argument : If low income families send their kids to school in used uniforms, they will get teased. O Assaults on students, kindergarten through 8 th grade, was reduced by 85%. O Everyone is wearing the same thing so kids won’t get made fun of for what they are wearing.