Dress code has been executed since middle school; not in the form a uniform but rather as an expectation of modesty. Girls with half of their breasts hanging out of their shirts and guys who have a studded belt that could puncture someone’s skin are obviously not the best outfit choices for a school environment. Uniforms in general are not the worst things, organizations or clubs have uniforms for competition and events, but a school uniform is a whole different ball game. A school uniform is something that should not be in place at our school because uniforms do not solve problems.

If Vandegrift did decide to put a uniform in place it would restrict creative freedom, put financial stress on families and there would still be peer pressure, just not based on the clothes.

Electives, clubs and organizations are all ways that students can show the freedom of who they are in high school, especially depending on which outlets you choose. People can also show their creative side through their clothing. Implicating a uniform could take away what little freedom in the school we have.

Uniforms are not cheap either, ranging from $200-$500, it can put some financial stress on parents. Uniforms are also not everyday attire. You wouldn’t wear your uniform on the weekends, and you would still have your casual clothes, evening attire and formal wear. Buying all these extra clothes along with the uniforms for each year can add up.

There is a theory that uniforms would make everyone feel equal, but contrary to popular belief students would still differentiate from each other, but just in different aspects of the person. People can have different jewelry, bags, cars, shoes, even body image. It’s in the human nature to judge and uniforms won’t change that.

Uniforms are understandable in some cases, but for a public school, especially Vandegrift, they are not first priority.Students should be more focused on academic success instead of what a person is wearing.

As much as people are opposed to having uniforms, a good probable solution could be to have the students, parents and school board vote on whatever they prefer. If the school did overrule uniforms a good way to make the opposing party happy is by making sure the dress code is actually acknowledged by students and staff.

Each school, no matter public, private, charter or university follows some code of rules, unique to the district or even individual campus. For example, most public schools follow a dress code and plenty of private schools have an enforced uniform. Even though there are guidelines in place, problems regarding appropriate school attire are raised every day and a permanent solution has yet to be found.

Enforcing a uniform would make school simpler for students, faculty and less stressful on peer-pressure because it makes for less distraction.

Being “dress-coded” presents an academic disturbance because of what the student misses when they are out of class. AP and rigorous courses and the sheer number of classes that each student takes makes every moment valuable. Missing even a few minutes often means time spent making up notes or assignments outside of class. With a uniform, that distraction would be eliminated and furthermore, no fellow students are subjected to the interruption of someone being pulled out.

Uniforms are just one less thing that the average student has to worry about on a daily basis. With classes, extra-curricular activities, jobs and work at home, adolescents have a lot on their plate at once. Pre-approved dress means a few minutes of extra sleep in the morning or not having to spend time trying to impress someone with what you’re wearing that day.

School is an occupation and students should look the part. In order to be successful in day-to-day life, one must dress appropriately and with care. The way students dress reflects their desire to learn and their personality—it’s important for one to dress with respect and dignity. Learning to dress accordingly is an essential life skill and will continue in any occupational area.

On the other hand, many will argue that uniforms or dress codes are an intrusion of personal freedoms and expression. This is largely untrue because rules and guidelines exist everywhere—especially in the school and workforce. However, there are other ways to appease the system without giving up freedom of expression. Jewelry, hair, make-up and accessories are a doable way to show your aesthetic.

Dress codes should be a symbol of professionalism, not dehumanizing. Students should feel proud to wear a uniform or follow a code because it means that they are that much closer to looking responsible.