In recent years educators, administrators, government officials and even parents and community members have been divided over the issues of school uniforms. While many still violently oppose the notion of mandated uniforms in educational institutions, there is a growing population of people that support uniforms for a variety of reasons. .

             There have been several studies of late that have examined the potential pros and cons of mandated uniforms at the elementary, middle and high school level. While some of the studies surrounding the issue have revealed little correlation between uniform wear and performance, others have suggested that there are many benefits students and educators have to reap from wearing uniforms. Perhaps the single most advantageous benefit of mandated uniforms is an increased level of safety within the nation's school district. These ideas are examined in greater detail below. .

             Benefits Debate .

             The debate surrounding the benefits and advantages of uniforms has continued for several years. The predominate argument has been that school uniforms "reduce the effects of social disparity" (Bodine, 67). That is, distinctions including those of wealth and poverty are eliminated when everyone within a school environment is required to look the same. There are controversial studies which suggest that students from low economic echelons of society will be discriminated against whether they where uniforms or not (Wilkins, 1). One benefit of uniforms however is that students have the opportunity to feel like they fit in because everyone is required to wear the same thing. The dress code may vary slightly with regard to the exact brand of clothing a student selects, but by and large the color and style will remain the same across all levels, minimizing the effects of discrimination that might be associated with ones wardrobe.

             Early studies conducted on school uniforms have shown that uniform dress among students "insures economy, democracy and equality of opportunity" (Mishoe, 2).