Opponents of school uniforms argue that students" rights are being infringed upon and that the school does not have the right to tell children what they can or cannot wear. The uniform emerged as a way to foster loyalty to school, but inevitably lead to the demise of individuality (syncott, symes 139). Most opponents say that whatever uniform is required in America's public schools, children will find a way to wear clothing that displays a certain logo. Banning all brands, logos and insignia's would be a hard job, but it most likely could be done. However, it would be very tough for teachers to check every student and see whether he or she is wearing banned items. Administrators who would like to ban all gang-affiliated apparel would have similar problems, and would have to keep up on the latest gang trends. Some opponents argue that, "if educators want to instill discipline in students then it makes perfect sense to follow the lead of the two discipline instilling institutions: prisons and military" (School Uniforms). Discipline should not be founded on fear of authority. Schoolwork, some say is an issue teachers need to be more worried about rather than how each child dresses. School uniforms do little to disguise social status and can actually harm students when they enter the real world and realize that not every person is equal. Defenders of school uniforms argue that uniforms can take away an easy target for a bully, but opponents say that is not the case and no matter how people dress there will always be the distinction between socially different groups. Uniforms cannot hide everything and will continue regardless of what is done to prevent it. Uniforms can lead to hostility from rival school districts that are just looking for a fight. Every child in America is entitled to a free public education and the rights for free school cannot be given conditions or requirements to wear school uniforms.
