School Uniforms Policies and Dress Codes
The issue of school, uniforms, policies, and school dress codes has been an issue of legal, educational, and religious debate since its inception. Authored by Anderson, (2002), the school policy report outlined specific and broad advantages of having school uniform policies and dress codes in the millennia era. Through personal interviews, news articles, case laws, and insights from educators, parents, legal activists, and parents, the policy report gave a clear view of why learners need to have a specific dress code of uniforms. Given the high rates of crime and inequality in the United States Anderson (2002) argues that educators, parents and some legal entities saw school uniforms as a step towards achieving learner’s academic success, reducing violence in schools, minimizing socio-economical differences, enhancing learner’s participation and unity as well as a way of attaining respect to teachers. On the other hand, opponents of the ideals and reasons pushing for the idea of school uniforms, dress codes and policies argue based on student’s rights and appreciation of differences. Deane (2015) authored an article on the philosophical issues surrounding school uniforms. Published on the Journal of philosophical studies, Deane (2015) argues that students are part of the society and public of large, and, therefore, they need to understand and question their differences to appreciate diversity and the fact that humanity is built on social, economical and political differences. As a result, the idea of imposing school uniforms to harbor human differences deprive learners the ability to confront human differences in their lives. The proponents of both sides on the need for school uniforms propose essential human principles that are vital, valid, and legal to learners, school environments, educators, and society at large.
Even though there exist few empirical studies which depict the influence of school uniforms on student’s behavior, performance, safety, and relationship with parents, primary data from Andersons (2015) depicts that school uniforms were a major step towards academic achievement. Besides, a free school environment would allow learners to develop a thirst to satisfy and conform to rapidly changing youth fashions. These expose children to violence and harm as they risk being attacked and robbed off their luxurious apparel. Additionally, it is without a doubt that school uniforms reduce social inequality which in most cases leads to bullying and deteriorates the overall well-being of learners. Surprisingly, the most essential elements of educational achievement entail both effective learners’ well-being. Eliminating elements that might deteriorate learners’ self-esteem, cause stress and anxiety, trigger bullying and violence support an overall achievement of well being and educational success.
Proponents of non-school uniform argue from philosophical and legal points of view. Ideally, students are individuals who belong to the society even though they might not have attained adult age. Given that they are humans and belong to the society, they should be accorded social justice as required by law. Imposing school uniforms teaches and blinds learners to evade confronting differences so that they can reasonably participate in public and school life (Dean, 2015, p 111). If uniforms were ways of evading the appreciation of diversity and human differences, they are therefore grave injustices that hinder children from living in the world, and hence, should be abolished. Additionally, the core purpose of education is not glued in teaching students on how to achieve academically and accept social norms, but a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be human; therefore “the value of bringing children together in a common space is evidenced when they learn how to recognize and speak from places of personal difference” (Dean, 2015, p. 119). The politics of difference explains how learners recognize, question, and confront socio-economical differences, behaviors, and performance in institutions.
Having or not having school uniforms is a basic question that should focus on achieving learner’s safety, academic performance and overall well being as they enjoy their social justice. Given that schools should equip learners with skills and knowledge that help them to conform with societal entities in which they belong, policies about school uniforms, and societal principles should abide by institutional goals and ideals of social justice
1. How does the rogerian model of argument help you understand the topic that is being discussed? Why is it a good practice to acknowledge both sides of the argument? (3-4 sentences)
The rogerian model helped me understand my own biases towards the issue of school uniforms and policies. Besides, I have become more informed on the issues I should work on to establish common ground with other people who might have similar or opposing views. Acknowledging both sides create a middle ground for reconciliation and persuasion as the audience understands both sides of the claims.
2. Will you use the Rogerian Approach in your own argumentative essay? Why or why not? (2-3 sentences
Ideally, I would employ the rogerian model in my persuasive essays for the purposes of persuasion and creating a common ground for understanding between me and my audience. Besides, the model compromises the audience and creates a room to change and alter peoples believes about a debatable issue.