Pro vs. con view
Topic space viewSchool Uniforms
I believe school uniforms should be enforced upon all schools. They will help students focus more on school, they will lower crime and bullying, they will give a sense of unity to the school, they save class time, they can save money, increase attendance and can improve punctuality, save money for parents, and help students get to know each other better based on their personality more than their appearance.
Against School Uniforms
Well it would seem you have forfeited the round for an unknown reason. I will present my arguments. Because you are con and your title states "Against School Uniforms" that would mean you are against, not having school uniforms. Meaning you are for school uniforms. I am not sure if you purposely did this, but for future reference, remember that Pro means you agree with the title of the debate and Con means you disagree with the title of the debate. Now then, We should not have school uniforms for the following reasons: 1. "Uniforms violate the student's freedom of speech and expression." You are restricting the student's way of expressing themselves which can keep them from sharing themselves and who they are with other people. 2. "Cost too much for families who already struggle to make ends meet." This is a problem for families who would otherwise have their children wear clothes that are cheaper than the school uniform itself. Sometimes every dollar counts for families who already struggle to keep their children in school. 3."Emphasize conformity, not individuality, and do not allow students to develop their identity." Not everyone is the same, nor does everyone want to be. People want to be their own person! Uniforms restrict students showing their own individuality. 4."Hide warning signs that point to problems. Often the way a child dresses can indicate the way he is feeling. Uniforms eliminate these red flags." This is self-explanatory. 5. "Fail to allow students to learn to make good choices based on their own values." Children need to make their own choices and learn from their mistakes. Giving everyone a uniform does not teach them what is appropriate to wear in circumstances and what is not. Children need to learn themselves what is appropriate and what is not. Giving them the right to wear their own clothes will allow them to test these boundaries and see what works and what doesn't.
school uniforms
I do agree that uniforms should not be required in public schools, but with the youth as it is today, more strict dress codes are needed to disallow some of the trends in schools today. There is no reason why a 16 year old girl needs to show off her chest or have her butt hanging out of her jeans. The same goes for guys that wear their pants low enough that their boxers are barely inside of their pants. If kids today don't start cleaning up their looks, school uniforms are going to be enforced and people are going to have to front the money for them.
School Uniforms Should not be Required
you were supposed to just accept the debate. Oh well, I'll guess I'll have a head-start as well. 1....focus on their school work as opposed to what type of clothes they wear, you say?? Well, in the adult world students have to make their own choices and school uniforms exclude that, as shown in "Brosnan, Peter, and Alexis Brindley. "What Not to Wear: A School's Dress Code Limits Clothing Styles and Colors." Current Events, a Weekly Reader Publication 28 Mar. 2011: 7. Opposing Viewpoints in Context.Web. 10 Feb.2014." 2. ...same level as socioeconomic status is not apparent from the uniforms ...which is exactly why school uniforms send out a sense of anti-individuality that goes against our personal liberty and freedom of expression. A nation that believes in this kind of thing should not go against it. It would not really matter if this was not in the constitution in the first place, but seriously--the constitution is the basic belief of America, and breaking it is a big blunder! the author of " Fetzer, Kent J. "School Uniforms Stifle Freedom of Expression." Salt Lake Tribune [Detroit] 18 Apr. 2002: F2. Opposing Viewpoints in Context.Web. 10 Feb.2014." clearly agrees. 3. Removes the status symbol associated with flashy clothes...arguably nobody can display how high their status are with school uniforms, a clear down side. 4. Bring a sense of uniformity & unity among pupils...Perhaps it is too much of a unity, almost like robots! As shown in "Dolan, Maura. "CALIFORNIA; Court Rejects School's Shirts; Judges Say Requiring Students to Wear the School's Motto Is a Free-Speech Violation." Los Angeles Times [Los Angeles] 15 Feb. 2014: AA3. Elibrary. Web. 21 Feb. 2014." The parent openly disagrees, stating "I believe we should...advance independent, creative thinkers -- not standardized, uniformed thinkers." Frudden said. "To do anything less is to do our children and our society a disservice." 6. Save parents money...As shown from "Brosnan, Peter, and Alexis Brindley. "What Not to Wear:... Styles and Colors." Current Events, a Weekly Reader Publication.", parents are unsatisfied with the school uniform prices, indicating that school uniforms don't exactly save parents money. They would not complain if the school uniforms actually saved money! 7. Uniforms also enable students to get ready for school faster...again, very arguable. Students could change clothes at night and go to school at the same pace of another student who has a school uniform. 8. Uniforms enable students to self express....NO, they do NOT! As I said before, the uniform sends messages of anti-individuality, the exact opposite of expressing one-self! In addition, emblems are heavily disdained, as shown in "Dolan, Maura. "CALIFORNIA; Court... Violation." Los Angeles Times [Los Angeles]." and 9. Enable children to make friends... instead of what you wear....You have given no evidence that children base other children on what they wear. 10. ...uniforms reduces bullying...A person's clothes really have nothing to do what goes on. If someone isn't very smart or physically capable they will still get bullied regardless of the fact that they look the same as everyone else. Good luck making your rebuttal!
School Uniforms, on Balance, are Beneficial
Introduction and Important Procedural Matters Thanks for a good constructive speech, I had a lot of fun reading it. I'd first like to say, before any major rebuttals on my opponent's case, this is my burden of proof (I thought it would be obvious but I have to explain what it is, since my opponent has declared what my BoP is, when I am the only one with the right to do so): Enactment of school uniforms have more benefits than harms (hence "on balance"), by use of statistics or logical syllogisms (or otherwise direct evidence) School uniforms solve more problems than they produce (kind of like on balance, but kind of different) This is what my opponent has to prove in order to meet their burden of proof: Enactment of school uniforms have more harms than benefits (hence "on blance"), by use of statistics or logical syllogisms (or otherwise direct evidence) School uniforms produce more problems than they solve (kind of like on balance, but kind of different). We have the same kind of BoP, just inverses of each other. Thanks for letting me clarify this aspect, didn't know it was so important. ----- Rebuttals: (I will italicize my opponent's argument and then use normal formatting for how I respond) "[uniforms are] brutally overpriced for their quality." I have evidence that is in direct refutation with this. In my 3rd contention, labelled "Low Cost", I prove that there is at least one school uniform manufacturer that has very low prices for high quality uniforms (roughly $45 a year per student per uniform) (this is from French Toast (again, awesome name)). I also have a source from 2013 that said that 77% of school leaders believe that the annual cost per student is going to be under $150 a year, replacements included. Like most things, there is going to be one kind of "eletist" competitor in the market (just look at iPhone's at their relatively high cost), and I think that TrueGrits is this very thing. "One of the best portals for students to express themselves is clothing." I'd have to argue that writing is the one of the best portals for creativity, but I understand what you are trying to convey. People in most public schools that have school uniforms would still have the ability to express themselves, whether it be by wearing their hair differently than normal, wearing a bow, wearing armbands, or something related. The right to express oneself remains intact, thus this point is negated. "Heck, even If a student is a serial killer, he can wear a creepy mask" Not sure many schools are open to serial killers. Do you have a source to back this up? (sarcasm) "[freedom of expression is] something that everybody has somewhat of a right to" I have sufficiently proved that the freedom to express themselves remains intact, so this isn't a valid argument. Also, saying "somewhat" kind of diminishes that impact, since you are saying that nobody has the absolute, inalienable right to express themselves. "the Supreme court ruled in favor of school uniforms" Concession? Having the Supreme Court vote in your favor probably means you are correct in the modern-era. Even if this was just a simple typo, the Supreme Court released the following comment when they voted in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District: “[schools have the right to establish rules which regulate] the length of skirts or the type of clothing, to hair style,…[or] aggressive, disruptive action or even group demonstrations.” (quote found here: http://www.infoplease.com...) "First of all, this piece of evidence is a case of post hoc ergo propter hoc" Not true. If the city made no Ordinances in that time that reduced the instances of rape or violence, then we can obviously see that this is attributed to school uniforms. I get where you are coming from, but that's not true since the city didn't do anything crime-wise during that time really, just implemented school uniforms. "The second part of this argument is that the study itself quotes "it is not clear that these results are entirely attributable to the uniform policy"." Most likely not entirely attributable, but pretty darn attributable. There are variables, sure, but none that can impact crime as much as school uniforms. "further disproving much of the common proponent case." My point remains intact, since you have not really proven that school uniforms are not the cause of this sudden drop in crime in the area. ----- Closing Remarks: I am winning this round because: I have maintained my BoP with proper use of statistics and logical syllogisms I have proved that school uniforms are beneficial on balance I have successfully refuted my opponent's case, thus forcing ourselves to vote in affirmation due to no valid points on his side My opponent has not successfully proved that school uniforms are not beneficial, thus not holding up his part of the BoP. (I stated in R1 that both sides have the BoP, so he should have tried to uphold his BoP) I have used more credible sources than my opponent. Looking forward to your rebuttals
School Uniforms
-First off, Des Moines won the case? And students are still plenty able to freely express themselves, by, hey I dontknow? TALKING! - Individuality should be shown by someones personality not what clothes they wear. - In Long Beach, CA, after two years of a district-wide K-8 mandatory uniform policy, reports of assault and battery in the district's schools decreased by 34%, assault with a deadly weapon dropped by 50%, fighting incidents went down by 51%, sex offenses were cut by 74%, robbery dropped by 65%, possession of weapons (or weapon "look-alikes") decreased by 52%, possession of drugs went down by 69%, and vandalism was lowered by 18%. - http://school-uniforms.procon.org... -Students are way more prone to embarassment without school uniforms as a highschooler myself I know a multitude of kids who were made fun of for not wearing the trending brands (Nike, Vans, Pink etc) and school uniforms will decrease that to a minimum.
School Uniforms
Personally, I feel that dress codes take up too much effort. We try and instigate a clear dress code, when kids just break it anyway. Why not just stick wth uniforms? You will have more money in the school budget to opt for more things, such as using the money for the arts or new uniforms for the football team. The school as a whole will be more united in a way. Plus, if you have a school uniform, you won't have to worry about buying new clothes or having to figure out exactly what you'll need to wear for the next day. You just pick a shirt, a skirt or pants, and you're ready to go for the day. No need to stress. You say that it limits creativity, but isn't it creativity that is getting kids to get bullied in the first place? Being different, standing out, that is what gets kids bullied. If they all wore the same uniform, there would be no bullying. Kids can be creative in other ways, ways that the uniform doesn't restrict to, such as their hair, makeup, and jewelry.
Uniforms at School!
I would like to thank my opponent for his response! "Then the bullies would likely find a new thing to give them shame about. How do we know it wouldn't be a worse thing? And what about weekends?" Or maybe bullies will just decide to leave the poor kid alone. This is definitely a possibility. Unless a bully knows where somebody lives, he cannot bully him/her over the weekends. And on the weekends, the bullied kid can just hide in his house. Bullies don't purposefully go to other people's houses to bully them. They usually do it at school or over the Internet. "This directly shows that on weekends, the bullies are able to bully the students who wear odd clothing. In fact, by doing this you are increasing the bulling because you have just encouraged the bullies to find a new flaw in that student." How? Bullies don't enter other people's houses to see what the person is wearing. This would just get the bully into jail. This argument makes no sense. "I fail to find this a better way to ensure equality." Uniforms do help ensure equality. Kids are more equal compared to each other if they wear the same clothes. "Not even a shred of evidence is shown to assert that students stand in front of a mirror for half of an hour every morning." Unfortunately, it would be very difficult for me to give a reliable source to prove this. However I think we can all assume that there are some (a minority) of people who care deeply about how they look. If this were untrue, then people wouldn't be wasting thousands of dollars on shopping for clothes. "Even if we assumed his argument is complete, students would still feel rather ridiculous in uniforms." How would you know if students would feel ridiculous in uniforms? Where in your sources does it say this? "There are different ways to respect your school. I can respect America, but I do not have to wear a giant flag every day to prove it. Why would it be wrong for a student to show respect in another way, or have a neutral viewpoint on the school?" Respect for America is shown in schools not by making the students wear giant flags, but by making them say the Pledge of Allegiance. You show respect for America when saying the Pledge of Allegiance. "The real major problem with this though is the average cost of a uniform is $249. Remember, this is being added on to regular clothing costs and expenses." And if you wore one or two uniforms a week then this would likely be cheaper than wearing 5 different outfits a week. One pair of shoes cost around 40 dollars (average) in America[1]. One pair of expensive shoes can cost up to $100. Besides this, there are many students who prefer to wear different shoes every weak. The cost of a uniform is not greater. And if a law was to be put into place that all students should be required to wear uniforms, it is likely that the government will pay those fees. After all, in order for this law to work, all students would have to wear uniforms and there are some families who cannot afford this clothes. "Pro is saying students will not wear uniforms when the week ends. We will obviously need more clothing for that student." I never said that. I said that students could wear whatever they want to on the weekends. If they chose to wear uniforms during the weekend then it is up to them. "Why would students be more compelled to wear a uniform than they would to follow the dress code?" If this was how they were taught from the very beginning (elementary school) then yes, students would wear the uniforms. Dress code wouldn't be a problem if there were uniforms. "Where in your sources does it say this [students would focus more on school work]?" Students often talk about clothes and where they shopped over the weekends. And students often talk during class. Do I really need sources to prove this? "Students do not wear 7 outfits per a day my friend. With a uniform however, a student would be forced to wash at the very minimum once every other day. Which would be a big waste, considering they would have little to wash." Yes many students do wear 7 outfits a day. There are even those who take 20 minute showers every day. "My only rebuttal to this is that often times those are more wealthy schools if they have uniforms. Private schools for example. Could you determine somehow in what schools this was conducted in? In may just be a different curriculum, or rather a false cause." Studies have shown that students who wear uniforms succeed more than those who do not. I myself am not sure how this is possible but this is what studies have shown. However your response to my argument is not good enough. The link I posted in the previous round says that this happened in public schools. "He does not present a rebuttal on how it is justified. The argument stands." I was simply stating my position. And I'm not sure what exactly my opponent's position is here. I ask for clarification. "Uniforms tend to cause more harm than good, as shown in arguments. Vote Con." Sorry but you haven't done that. You haven't really shown how uniforms cause more harm than good. Also, this isn't the last round yet. Conclusion: I have shown how students benefit from uniforms. Uniforms help to ensure equality and success for students. My opponent did a good job responding to my arguments but some of my arguments still stand. Sources: http://www.statista.com...
School Uniforms
Before I continue with this argument, I would like to say that I am immensely enjoying this argument. It's not often that people truly challenge me, I appreciate your response and am looking forward to the rest of this debate. You said that "how we express ourselves through our clothing helps us define ourselves" though I agree, clothing does help show who you are, it also puts on the perfect exterior that makes people going into the relationship already think they know who you are. But I don't think people always dress based on their personality. Lets say, hypothetically, there's a girl who is very down to earth and is almost your stereotypical 'hippy', except her clothes. Maybe she wears leather tube skirts and black crop tops, with studded combat boots and ripped tights, people aren't going to look at her and think "oh wow, that girl is probably a hippy and has the same philosophy as me and listens to the same music" Her appearance doesn't match the stereotype of her personality. People who are your typical "nerd" don't wear robes, or carry around staffs and wands, or always are wearing a cloak instead of a normal jacket, they probably wear jeans and a t-shirt. I don't think clothing always helps us define who we are, and I think we should get away from having to physically show who we are on the exterior when its what's on the inside that matters. I understand that some girls may feel insecure about uniforms, which is why if uniforms are enforced, do it right. I believe schools should give students the options between slacks, skirts, or dresses. And to your last point, it is valid and a strong point, but I think that uniforms will help with that. They aren't going to be wearing less and less everyday because they're wearing school uniforms. And if they dress 'slutty' outside school, then that's about them and who they are. They can express themselves that way if they want, but I just want them to keep it out of the education system.
School uniforms are good
Since my opponent has forfeited this round as well, I will take this opportunity to bring up more good points about school uniforms. First, school uniforms are a blessing for parents when it comes to getting the kids ready in the morning. Instead of spending a good 20 minutes trying on half the closet in the morning, a child can go directly to the uniform without feeling that his or her clothing is inadequate. There's no "these pants make me look fat" or "so-and-so is wearing the newest designer labels, why can't I?" Uniforms also contribute to a more professional look that helps children feel that school is important. Just as play-clothes make children think it's play time, work clothes make children think it's work time. Additionally, uniforms save school officials time and effort. Instead of policing the halls for indecent amounts of cleavage, back, and butt, school officials would be able to put their time towards more practical and academic purposes. And since it's fairly easy to spot an orange T-shirt amidst a sea of blue ones, it will be much easier to identify the people who do not belong on And since it's fairly easy to spot an orange T-shirt amidst a sea of blue ones, it will be much easier to identify the people who do not belong on school grounds or to identify who belongs where on school fieldtrips. Overall, uniforms contribute to a safer and more efficient school system. My sources are as follows: http://www2.ed.gov... http://www.buzzle.com...
School Uniforms benefit schools
"In what way does the individuality of the student benefit the school?" It helps studeents express themselves and be more creative. "Uniforms cost far less than normal clothes and there are back to school sales at the end of every summer." But students need two sets of clothes, school clothes and regular clothes, making the ost much more. "Uniforms are cheap. A lower class parent(as you would call them) would be far more likely to opt to send his/her child to a school in which uniforms must be worn as it would save him/her from having to provide different clothes for the 5 days of the week." Assuming someone buys their uniform at Macy's (We will use a standard uniform, A polo shirt with a belt and dress pants) Here are the respective costs. Polo shirt - $9.60 (http://www1.macys.com...) Dress pants - $20.00 (http://www1.macys.com...) Belt - $12.98 (http://www1.macys.com...) TOTAL COST $42.58 Compared to jeans and a t-shirt Jeans- $19.98 (http://www1.macys.com...) T-shirt - $7.99 (http://www1.macys.com...) TOTAL COST $27.97 Uniforms cost more than other clothes. "It would also spare the child the embarassment of wearing the same old tattered clothes to school everyday clearly identifying him/her as poor. Not that this is anything to be ashamed of, but kids are cruel." Uniforms get tattered, and cost more to replace than regular clothes. "What? How? I'd have said the exact opposite. Ok say you have the son of an oil tycoon and the son of a poor man attending the same school in which uniforms must be worn. Does the uniform not show them that no matter where they came from that they're all the same?" It teaches kids to judge people based on how they look. That they all have too look the same in order to be equal. Now to adress your argument "Uniforms take away worries like "what am I going to wear tomorrow" which allows more time for study and organisation." This issue can be resolved in 10 minutes, even for the pickiest of dressers. Uniforms also take more time to get into wasting time in the morning and after physical education. "They hide the figures of girls far better than what they would usually wear which allows the likes of me to stay concentrated on my studies." I am going to steal two figures from another debate on the same subject. Fig. 1.1 http://img355.imageshack.us... Polo shirts show off a girl'surves, and can be very sexy. Fig 1.2 http://img240.imageshack.us... T-shirts are unappealing. "In a school with uniforms any outsiders entering the school would stand out allowing for security to pick up on them a lot easier." Outsiders always stand out, they are adults. Also, school ID's fix this probem easily.
school uniforms
yes. maybe the dress code could be enforced like belts pants that have to be above there knees and shirts to be covering more body. its just that maybe the dress code could be enforced like belts pants that have to be above there knees and shirts to be covering more body. its just that uniforms are a little much for a public school.
School Uniforms
I meant less confident, and I don't like the way you responded to that, Keep it friendly or I will report it. I don't really know how to use this website. I don't really debate. This was a school project, and I didn't expect someone to debate back, but I will keep going. For two, In this generation people tend to pay attention to what the opposite sex is wearing. (Leggings, Snap backs) It's just how school works. For three, weekends are two days out of seven. There is barely any time to wear your own clothes. Parents would have to buy the uniforms instead of buying clothes that their kids actually want. You will loose your individuality. At our school, friends tend to wear similar things that way people will know that they are in their friend group. Bullies would just find something else to bully about. (Hair, acne, shoes etc.) And, no. Kids don't get used to them. Waking up and wearing the same thing every day? I've been wearing them for years, and I am still not used to them. Do you have experience with them? Everyone at my This was a school project, and I didn't expect someone to debate back, but I will keep going. For two, In this generation people tend to pay attention to what the opposite sex is wearing. (Leggings, Snap backs) It's just how school works. For three, weekends are two days out of seven. There is barely any time to wear your own clothes. Parents would have to buy the uniforms instead of buying clothes that their kids actually want. You will loose your individuality. At our school, friends tend to wear similar things that way people will know that they are in their friend group. Bullies would just find something else to bully about. (Hair, acne, shoes etc.) And, no. Kids don't get used to them. Waking up and wearing the same thing every day? I've been wearing them for years, and I am still not used to them. Do you have experience with them? Everyone at my school hates them, and that's about 600 people. Also, I do actually know the difference between school uniforms and dress codes. You don't know me. Don't push it. It makes you more self conscious because you would hate what your wearing. Even if people are wearing the same thing. If you don't like the look on you, you automatically hate it, even if others are wearing it. The parents would complain about the uniform, because the kids would complain to their parents and some of the parents would want to talk to the office about it, and possibly get into a disagreement or a fight. Yes, they do draw more attention to yourself. Seeing yourself in the mirror wearing something you hate everyday. People want to express themselves, School uniforms will result to an overdose of makeup. Buying expensive shoes, and possibly tattoos or piercings. I don't think you are reading my debates carefully. You keep bringing up the same point, which makes your argument a weak one.
School Uniforms Should not be Required
I apologize profusely for forfeiting. That was unacceptable behavior, although it's true I did not have enough time. Rebuttal to your Rebuttal "...hours of decisions of what to wear." This is not actually an exaggeration (1) because research shows that, on average, most women spend nearly one year trying to decide what to wear. If parents help children decide what to wear, then the parents will also be wasting their time, and uniforms will benefit both parents and children. "...Clothes can often be used to define social statuses..." You agree that North Face can make you seem richer than others, and it is sometimes true that people wear different clothes to school (2). An experiment shows that people are more influenced by people who wear "cool" clothes. "people will have to rely on personality rather than the outfit they are wearing." You may argue that wearing uniforms may destroy individuality, but on the other hand, uniforms may make people behave better because they no longer have to depend on clothes. "High social status", which is popularity, probably consists of people with cute clothes and "low social status" will be made up of people with less pretty clothes. Poor people may be able to afford the school uniform because uniforms are a lot cheaper than normal clothes. (3) Uniforms cost nearly twice as less as normal clothes and, therefore, poor people can go to school just like others and not be worried about having bad clothes. " I said uniforms do not really affect how bullies harm kids and a person's normal clothing does not affect a bully's insults either." Therefore, as you said so yourself, uniforms will not have a negative impact either. And according to my argument, uniforms will have a positive effect. Uniforms do not go against the US constitutional beliefs of freedom of expression because most people actually like to wear them. Usually, most people like me will not have any problems wearing uniforms. Also, parents will like uniforms too, and the parents of the majority will overpower to minors and uniforms will be appreciated. Good job, pro! I apologize once again for forfeiting. Sources (1) http://www.telegraph.co.uk... (2) http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu... (3) http://www.examiner.com...
School Uniforms Are Good
Thanks for the response. Of course I'll accept you as my opponent! First off, I don't think that school First off, I don't think that school uniforms are good because I feel that students are not able to express themselves well and that they would be more comfortable studying in an environment where they feel they can be themselves instead of being forced to wear a uniform. I understand that by wearing school uniforms, we are symbolising that all the students are the same but what we should be trying to do instead is to show them that despite their differences and cultures, they are all attending the same school and doing the same thing together. Schools should try to teach students that they can be different and still work together in harmony instead of forcing children to wear the same thing and try to make students see that they are all the same. They should let students embrace their differences and show them that despite these differences, they are all still one. Third, I don't think that school uniforms are good for everyone because some of them may be insecure about their bodies. For example, certain school skirts are quite short and this may cause girls who are insecure about their legs to feel uncomfortable studying in their uniform. Religious beliefs also play a part. Some religions do not allow the legs of girls to be exposed and sometimes require certain areas to be covered. This may be a problem for students who want to study in a certain school and are not allowed to because their religion does not allow them to wear the uniform that the school requires them to be in. Fourth, a particular uniform is not always flattering on every body. A certain uniform will not fit every student perfectly and this may lead to them being taunted by their peers. So this may also lead to bad behaviour. Once again, I say that students should feel comfortable in their own clothes and should not feel out of place in their school environment as this may distract them from their studies. They may be self-conscious about who is watching them and what others think about them, leading them to be unfocused during lessons. Fifth, uniforms can be quite costly. Poorer students may not have sufficient money to pay for their school uniforms and may have problems buying new ones when they grow out of their old ones. Wearing their own clothes would allow them to study without spending extra money on uniforms and instead wear what they already have.
School Uniforms, on Balance, are Beneficial
Introduction: I'd like to thank the Instigator of this debate for posting a great constructive case and now it is my turn to do mine. I, Con, will be taking the side that School uniforms, on balance, are not beneficial, meaning I if it is proved beyond a reasonable doubt that uniforms do not bring benefits, even if there is no harm proved, then I have proved the topic and therefore should win. School uniforms are a burden, a hassle, and expensive from years and years of personal experience. Burden of Proof: Since the Instigator has not placed a burden upon himself, I'd like to take the opportunity to give her a 3-pronged burden that she must prove in order to win this debate. 1) School uniforms are an affordable solution to a multitude of problems. 2) Their benefits outweigh the harms (hence "on balance"). 3) Evidence and hard statistics prove Pro's case without false causation or logical fallacies. If any fragment of these branches are left unproved, then I advise the voters to vote for me. Arguments: Argument 1: Overpriced Many school uniforms are not beneficial towards kids, their families, and their financial states since they are brutally overpriced for their quality. I can definitely say this out of my personal experience of attending a private school since preschool that requires uniforms. For non-formal days, one must wear a collared shirt, pants/shorts, and a belt (shoes not included in uniform but must be a certain color). On formal days, students are required to wear an oxford shirt, a blazer or v-neck sweater, a tie, dress shoes, black socks, and long pants. According to True Grits, a uniform provider to many including us, a pair of pants (65% polyester) costs $39.95, shorts (65% polyester) $37.95, shirts (65% polyester) $27.45, blazers (100% polyester) $141, v-neck sweaters (100% acrylic yarn) $40.95, and oxford shirts (40% polyester without collar sizes) $30.45 [https://www.truegrits.com...]. These articles of clothing are outrageously priced considering they are made mostly out of polyester and acrylic yarn, two extremely cheap discount designer fabrics. The same style polo shirt can be found for $8 at Target and is made with 100% cotton [http://www.target.comp...] Pro says that uniforms financially help people. This argument proves otherwise. Argument 2: omg lexus, but what about the freedomomom of expersion? Whether the supreme court says it or not, I say it"school uniforms (on balance) are not beneficial because they take away freedom of "expersion" as Lexus likes to put it. One of the best portals for students to express themselves is clothing. If a student is a goth, he/she can wear black clothes. If a student is a golfer, he/she can wear golf clothes. If a student is a sports fan, he/she can wear a jersey. Heck, even If a student is a serial killer, he can wear a creepy mask. These are all examples of freedom of expression, something that everybody has somewhat of a right to. To prove this through the use of evidence, in a common case known as Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the Supreme court ruled in favor of school uniforms saying "it can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." Another case resolved by the US First Circuit Court of Appeals is Richards v. Thurston, where the court ruled that "compelled conformity to conventional standards of appearance" does not "seem a justifiable part of the educational process." [ahcuah.com] This argument is impactful because, with self-expression comes a multitude of benefits. The 6 main benefits are becoming happier, having an opportunity to help others, gaining a form of release, self-discovery, influencing others, and helping you connect with others you might not normally connect with. [http://glambistro.com...] Argument 3: Key Findings of Proponents Are Inaccurate Many proponents of this case try to prove that school uniforms are beneficial by citing a piece of evidence from the Long Beach School District to prove a direct correlation between uniforms and less crime. First of all, this piece of evidence is a case of post hoc ergo propter hoc, meaning "after it, therefore because of it". In short, this is a false cause because there are plenty of other variables than uniforms that could have affected the crime rates. Perhaps the DA's office established a new program to lower crime rates, there is no way of knowing whether uniforms actually caused a drop in crime rates. The second part of this argument is that the study itself quotes "it is not clear that these results are entirely attributable to the uniform policy". They admit to a false cause, further disproving much of the common proponent case. Conclusion: Thank you for reading my speech.
School uniforms should not be allowed in schools
Thank you for the debate. I will present my main arguments on why I think that school uniforms should be in schools and are overall beneficial. 1) School uniforms in fact save time and money. So much time is wasted with students sorting out what clothes to wear on what day. The demand for a variety of clothing pieces is reduced to just the ones that meet school policy. Yes initially uniforms do cost some money but parents save in the long-run. Students don't need a constant closet of clothing combinations to wear to school. The uniform does it all. Uniforms therefore save both time and money. 2) School Uniforms equal the inevitable variety of social class If there is no uniform then students who come from families of lower economic status may be embarrassed about their cheap clothes they have to wear to school. The uniform fixes this problem. Students don't have to be embarrassed if they can't afford the latest clothing trends. If every student wears identical clothing i.e a uniform then the social status division is much less of an issue and therefore more beneficial to the student. This also potentially reduces bullying. 3) School uniforms improve student safety. When students are required to wear uniforms, the wearing of gang symbols or colors becomes harder, and therefore, reduces student risk and danger. Also a uniform means that baggy clothing is not allowed, so there is less opportunity to hide weapons or drugs in clothing. Therefore school violence is reduced. School theft is also less of a threat, because there is no ability to steal sneakers, expensive jackets etc. To back this up, schools where uniforms are required have seen a 95 percent decrease in crime, 90 percent decrease in suspensions, and vandalism on school property decreased by 69 percent. Source: (www.educationbug.org) I feel that uniforms are very beneficial to students. They protect them, make them feel equal and are very convenient even if the students don't realize it.
Ban School Uniforms - Junior
School uniforms contribute to the sense of school unity
School Uniforms
I thank my opponent for replying to my debate. My opponent states that, "people don't want to wear uniform because they have to wear it. If they were allowed to wear what they want then they would soon get bored of it." Look at almost any school where people are not forced to wear a uniform. Do they wear uniforms? No. Do you know why? Because they don't like uniforms, whether they are enforced, or not. If you bring up the point of JROTC, they only wear it once a week, which is different from a full time uniform. My opponent then states, "you should be proud of the school you attend and should be willing to wear part of the uniform so as people know which school you go to and that you are proud to. " I am not proud of my school. Not at all. Why should I be forced to wear the uniform? The only reason I don't trandsfer to a different one is because of certain classes only offered at this high school in my area. If you want to wear you school colors of red and gold (or whatever they may be) then go right ahead. I have no problem with that. That is your CHOICE. However, when it becomes a mandate, not a choice, then I have a problem with that, as it takes away my right to expression of self. Also, if people know what If they were allowed to wear what they want then they would soon get bored of it." Look at almost any school where people are not forced to wear a uniform. Do they wear uniforms? No. Do you know why? Because they don't like uniforms, whether they are enforced, or not. If you bring up the point of JROTC, they only wear it once a week, which is different from a full time uniform. My opponent then states, "you should be proud of the school you attend and should be willing to wear part of the uniform so as people know which school you go to and that you are proud to. " I am not proud of my school. Not at all. Why should I be forced to wear the uniform? The only reason I don't trandsfer to a different one is because of certain classes only offered at this high school in my area. If you want to wear you school colors of red and gold (or whatever they may be) then go right ahead. I have no problem with that. That is your CHOICE. However, when it becomes a mandate, not a choice, then I have a problem with that, as it takes away my right to expression of self. Also, if people know what school you go to, and they hate all members of that school, because they got beaten by them in a sports game or something, you could get beaten up for wearing that uniform. I await my opponents next argument.
School Uniforms
I think that schools should not enforce uniforms. For the first major years of my life i was forced to go to a private school. They forced us to wear a uniform. The uniform wasn't the worst part, it was only a blue, or red polo shirt, and khaki pants. The only bad part was what they were restricting us from. Sure they eliminated some forms of bullying, but that happens anyway. Clothes have no part with that. They wouldn't let us express our own opinions. We needed the room to show other people the way we felt. With uniforms we had no differences between us. That was simply visually though. Now this opened up new ways for other students to bully us. They now targeted the "intellectually inferior students" This was not helping. The teachers wouldn't help us because they thought we were just having fun because no one ever hit one another. These so called "helpful" uniforms didn't help any of us. Instead it brought in more ways for the other students to verbally, and emotionally bully me.
