They appeared equal which resulted in more equal treatment from both peers and teachers alike. School uniforms did away with such extra curricular activities as thievery. It is not uncommon for the police to receive calls from irate parents regarding their child's loss of an expensive clothing article. This is not a popular position to take. My only solace is that the facts and statistics support this position.
Academia is full of ideas that have failed the test of time.
In this author's opinion, education should take a giant step back to 1964. Something right was going on then . . . At 18, a person may then enter into a written contract as well as gaining the right to vote and enter military service. At 21, one gains the privilege of consuming and purchasing alcohol. At the age of 21, all rights are bestowed upon an individual providing they are free of mental defect.