Recent statistics show schools that promote school uniforms are high in attendance but are lacking in academic excellence. History also shows that in cases involving dress code violations and freedom of expression have ruled in favor of the students. School uniforms create an added cost for families and the impact varies among socioeconomic groups. Although some people believe that wearing school uniforms can be a greener alterative and makes better students there is no proof that it provides a safer, more studious environment.
Schools say uniforms promote a more studious environment. Research strongly states that school uniforms promote no self-expression or justifiable increase in grades. With schools that do not require uniforms to be worn a decrease in attendance but a higher grade point average is apparent among its students. The qualities of the school and academics offered should promote the environment not the clothes the school requires the students to wear.
School officials say that promoting school uniforms can create less conflict among students because all the students are wearing the same clothes. But recent studies show that conflict or bullying among students is still present with schools that promote school uniforms. In the article, "Dress Codes: The Pros And Cons,” the author explains that even if every student wears the same thing bullying is still going to be present because changing what they wear by making them wear identical uniforms will not break this trend. Even if the popular kids did not find a way to make the uniforms look different, they would pick on other kids for different reasons other than the clothes they wear. They would also pick on them for what they do. This may change the way the students dress but it will not stop the bullying because it does not change the way they act. Changing a student’s wardrobe does not make a difference or reduce the conflict among the students, in fact, research shows that conflict has increased in schools that enforce uniforms by 10 percent.
Supporters of uniforms state that having to wear uniforms does not infringe a person’s first amendment right of free speech and one’s right to express themselves. In the article, "School Uniforms,” Julia Wilkins states, “It would take away one of the most fun things that students have to look forward to and that's choosing their wardrobe every day. The students would come to school every day miserable and not cooperate in the learning process.” Individuality would be dead having to wear the same school uniform every day takes away a student’s right to free speech and self-expression which is protected by the first amendment. “In recent history for cases involving the school district dress code and policies vs. students the court has ruled 75 percent in favor of the students. In most of the cases the ruling has been in favor of the students because it involves free speech and right to self-expression which is protected by first amendment of the bill of rights. For example in 1969 the case of Tinker vs. Des Moines the school district ruled that two students were violating the dress code and were causing a disruption when they were seen wearing armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The court ruled in favor of the students stating that the arm bands were a reflection of their first amendment right of freedom of speech and self-expression. After the ruling, the Court made clear that school officials may not ban student expression just because they don't like it—or because they think it might cause conflict. The school must have evidence that the student expression would lead to either a substantial disruption of the school environment or an invasion of the rights of others” (Haynes).
Supporters also state that uniforms are a cheaper and greener alterative to regular clothes. But studies show that they are made of the same material as regular school clothes. As for the cost they are more expensive than normal school clothes. School uniforms are often touted as a cost-saving, equalizing addition to the school environment. The additional burden of buying school uniforms can make it difficult for some families to afford their children's school supplies. While uniform manufacturers state that uniforms reduce clothing costs, they may well do the opposite. Due to uniform requirements, this may cause families that are barely getting by to spend more money so their child or children can go to that institution. With multiple children in the family this may become very burdensome to the parents to satisfy the need for the institution. If some schools did not force the wearing of uniforms families and their children could save money and certain religious customs would not be in danger and it would allow the students to express themselves.
In conclusion, school uniforms have not been proven to increase academic excellence. School uniforms also have not been shown to be more economical or successful in leveling the cultural and socioeconomic statuses. Uniforms have not been proven to promote a safer and more studious environment. With the enforcement of uniforms students are denied the right to real self-expression though the mandatory uniform requirements which is a violation of their right to free speech which is protected by the bill of rights.

Works Cited
Haynes, Charles. "School Dress Codes Limit Students' Freedom of Expression." Students' Rights. Ed. Jamuna Carroll. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "T-Shirt Rebellion in the Land of the Free." First Amendment Center. 2004. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 28 Nov. 2012
"School Uniforms And Dress Codes: The Pros And Cons." Writing 23.1 (2000): 3. Academic Search Premier. Web. 28 Nov. 2012.
Wilkins, Julia. "School Uniforms." The Humanist Mar. 1999: 19. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 20 Nov. 2012