Students are individuals, not unifroms

By Jordana Lorrimer ‘28
More and more students in schools across the globe are being forced to wear school uniforms. While some see them as a vital part of school life, others question their necessity in a constantly evolving world, especially regarding individual expression and freedom. 

Some argue that mandating a uniform sets a healthy status quo. With an even playing field, students are less likely to obsess over brands and judge their peers for their style and means of purchasing trendy clothes.
 A common source of bullying is the harsh criticism over materialistic items, uniforms would ensure less bullying and not categorize people as part of a certain social class. 
Additionally, choosing an outfit can be tiresome. When students hop out of bed, continuously hitting the snooze button, the last thing any child is prepared to do early in the morning is stress over a certain shirt matching a pair of jeans. 
Oftentimes, cool outfits and trends can be a source of distraction. Many argue that uniforms would ensure a more focused and hard-working environment. 
They argue that a uniform would allow for more sleep as students would need less time to prepare in the morning. This extra time also allows for last-minute studying, family time, and perhaps a quick breath of fresh air; these are all things children need to not only survive but thrive in the modern world. 
However, not all people agree that uniforms are a positive idea.
School budgeting certainly does not allow for the most luxurious outfits. Some students can find uniforms itchy, uncomfortable, and unflattering. 
Students might also feel singled out and targeted. For instance, two girls can be wearing the same length skirt, but because one is taller she gets in trouble for having her skirt at an inappropriate length. 
This also creates tensions between the administration and the students. Wearing a uniform is meant to make students feel like they belong, however, clothes don't always hold that much power.
Freshman Noa Rejwan, who never had to wear a school uniform adds, “Clothing allows me to express myself freely, and helps me learn more about my style.”
Lola, a Freshman at Jewish Community Secondary School in Barney, UK, who must wear a uniform to school, said, “I would feel more motivated in comfortable clothes rather than an itchy sweater.”
Both students agree that uniforms reduce peer pressure and are less nerve-racking. However, Noa recants that “it's always possible to be judged for anything as small as your hairstyle.”
 When asked if wearing a uniform helps build a sense of school identity and how it compares to the feeling of wearing your own clothes, Lola responded, “I think a uniform creates a sense of a working environment. Wearing your clothes may be more comfortable, however, it might destroy the sense of formality and how you behave in lessons.” 
Noa thinks school uniforms create a sense of identity by making everyone look the same and feel like they are part of a community. Although, when wearing your clothes, you're able to express yourself, uniforms can help build the school into a community stronger.
Uniforms should not be mandated. Schools should promote individuality and students must embrace their own style rather than conforming to traditional looks.