FCAs Jayden Morton
1. Supporting details April 4, 2011
2. Parallel structure English 6-1
3. Sophisticated vocabulary School Uniforms
Dear Superintendent O'Malley
“When we lose the right to be different we lose the privilege to be free.” This quote is portraying the fact that choosing to look different, is part of being free. A proposal has recently been made to the Board of Education to make school uniforms required. If approved, this would become effective to the student body in grades K-12. Deciding to go along with this proposal would bring more negative effects than good. School uniforms would not be good in the current economy, uniforms don’t help academic performance, and uniforms limit freedom of expression.
First, school uniforms would not be good in the current economy of our country. Currently, our country is in an economic crisis. So many people are being frugal and conserving their money so they do not go into major debt. For some, they cannot afford to buy any more than what they need. Making school uniforms a requirement would hurt and inconvenience those who already have many clothes, and those who cannot afford to buy anymore. Although some say the cost of uniforms would be worth it, others would not agree because of the financial needs of others. Also the inconveniences of buying clothes that are not going to be worn outside of school. The cost of buying school uniforms would not benefit the populace in an economical crisis.
Secondly, adding school uniforms does not have a significant influence on the academic performance of the student body. A study was done of the effects of school uniforms on the student body of some schools. Supporters of school uniforms claimed that instead of focusing on clothing, students would focus more on their studies. But the studies made proved that school uniforms had no significant influence on the academic performance of the student body. Therefore it would be a waste of funds on the behalf of the school board to purchase uniforms that would not help a student’s performance.
Finally, wearing school uniforms takes away a part of a student’s freedom of self-expression. Many youth, in general, express their personality through what they wear. Applying required uniforms to schools may make some students that they do not like or are uncomfortable wearing. Taking away someone’s right to self-expression is wrong. Although some advocates of school uniforms think that students can express themselves in other ways, not allowing someone to wear what they like is still taking away that freedom of self-expression. Everyone has the right to express themselves in whatever way they please. But applying school uniforms takes away part of that right.
Making school uniforms a requirement would bring more negative effects than good. Uniforms would not be in the best interest of those in financial need. Uniforms do not help improve the academic performance of students. And uniforms limit the ability of students to express themselves. To ignore the state of the populace and the right of self-expression would be a huge mistake.
Sincerely, Jayden Morton
