Uniforms: An Increase in Equity and a Decrease in Stress

Although students may appreciate the freedom to express themselves through their clothing, uniforms would benefit the greater population of Campo. Not only would uniforms increase equality, they would also reduce pressures among students.

Senior Vivi McCarthy recalled, “I like the freedom of wearing whatever I want because depending on my mood I can wear whatever…[but] I feel like [uniforms] would be less stressful because there wouldn’t be as many things about looks at school and everyone is wearing the same thing so it wouldn’t really matter.”

The idea that uniforms help students feel comfortable has been proven in the U.K., where around 98% of secondary schools have uniforms. In a recent survey done by Trutex, 7 in 10 students believed uniforms helped them fit in and reduce bullying.

Wanting to fit in and receive approval from peers, picking out clothes for school can put stress on students. Uniforms would eliminate this stressor because everyone would look the same. Not only this, but uniforms could teach students to focus on character instead of looks. Overall, this gives students more time in the morning and reduces competition around campus.

Freshman Lila Morrison agreed, “I wish we had uniforms because it would mean less time in the morning spent picking out my clothes…it takes about fifteen minutes to pick out my outfit.”

After the National Association for Elementary School Principals (NAESP) conducted a national study surrounding school uniforms and peer pressure, they discovered that 72% of parents and 86% of school officials believe uniforms decrease peer pressure. This belief is common because it is harder to create a hierarchical system at school if all students look the same.

However, at schools without uniforms, students may feel uncomfortable to wear what they truly want to. Students will be deemed as “weird” or an outcast if what they wear doesn’t fit the status quo.

Junior Owen Ludwig said, “Some people don’t feel comfortable wearing what they really want to so if everyone wore the same clothes those people wouldn’t feel like they stuck out.”

The competitiveness surrounding clothing at Campo is very common. From Lululemon to Aviator Nation, mostly name-brand clothing is seen on campus. But, what does this mean for less fortunate students? Uniforms would prevent judgment passed on them and would make the playing field equal for everyone. New friendships could be formed without unconscious consideration of someone’s social status.

Morrison expanded on this idea, “Everyone would also look the same and no one would get judged for what they are wearing if we wore uniforms.”

Furthermore, uniforms can create a safer school. Intruders can dress as students as a way to disguise themselves. According to the Office of Justice Programs, uniforms “enable schools to recognize school intruders.” With everyone dressed the same, spotting someone who doesn’t belong on campus would be much easier.

In the end, the benefits far outweigh the harms when it comes to school uniforms. While people may miss their clothing expressiveness, uniforms would promote equality and increase safety on Campo’s campus, and create a positive shift in campus culture.