Dear editor,

The topic that I want to talk about in the public school system is the dress code. There should be a stricter dress code. When I went to elementary school, there was a dress code that required students to wear certain solid colored polo shirts, solid colored pants/shorts and shoes that did not have a name-brand emblem on them. There was less bullying and students focused more on learning than image. There were many positive benefits to having a dress code with uniforms, and most students like wearing the clothes they were required to wear. 

Some of the benefits of wearing a uniform are that it creates a sense of belonging for students. All students are viewed as equal and people do not compare themselves. Because students wear the same clothes, it is less distracting in the classroom and students focus more on their work. There is enough pressure with social media saying how the younger generation should be. A dress code would make students less anxious.

 All students may feel more safe in a larger public school if there is a dress code. Wearing a uniform would take away gang activity signs. If there was a dress code, teachers would not have to give disciplinary actions to students who would wear non-school appropriate clothing.  Students could be more education focused.  Uniforms would also be less expensive and affordable to buy.  

School uniforms can also have a positive impact on students’ mental health because there can be less pressure to wear certain fashion styles. Students can go to school feeling confident in what they are wearing. They are less worried about their peers and more focused on school which is why we go to school. While many people won’t agree with a dress code in public school, there are so many positive things about a uniform that can make people feel like they belong.  

Luke Daniels