Research paper in argumentative style. Dress codes in public schools- Essay

Research paper in argumentative style. Dress codes in public schools- do they promote a safer environment - Essay Example In recent years, many school and district officials have claimed that there is an increase in improper activities within the school environment, such as violence, gang activity, theft of clothing and conflicts against discipline (Madrid, et al). This led to the introduction of dress codes or uniforms by officials in school districts across the country. Dress codes lay down ‘what must not be worn,’ while uniform policies decree ‘what must be worn’ (Anderson). Private schools were the first to adopt dress codes or uniform policies. Public schools soon started emulating their example (Education Commission of the States). The education officials protested that a state of continuous confrontation had been created between school authorities trying to do their duty by producing an environment conducive to learning, and students rebelling against the restraints of acceptable, protected behavior (Pedzich). They propagated dress codes and uniforms as the way to achieve a safe, secure and orderly school environment. In this context, the school dress code or uniform policy is meant to be a deterrent to violence, gang activity, theft and misbehavior while promoting academic excellence and social development. Cherry Hill Elementary school (Baltimore, Maryland) has the distinction of being the first U.S. public school to implement a uniform policy in the year 1987. Long Beach California Unified School District (LBUSD) became the first school district to adopt a public school uniform policy in 1994. The biggest boost was received when President Bill Clinton catapulted the issue to national prominence in January 1996 when he officially permitted it during his State of the Union Address. Clinton emphasized his support for the matter by ordering the U.S. Department of Education to deliver a brochure called â€Å"A Manual of School Uniforms† to all the country’s 16,000 school