Uniforms conjure up visions of parochial schools, which are perceived as safe, secure, and orderly learning environments. Many people would agree that anything that puts an end to the grueling, expensive, and sometimes violent competition to keep up with the latest fashions is a good thing. Besides Long Beach, the Oakland, Calif., district began a districtwide uniform requirement in September 1995. And a slew of other schools and districts appear to be joining the bandwagon. Experts agree that the data just don't yet make a clear link.
Civil libertarians argue that required uniforms violate students' free-expression rights.
On the Web A Memo From the President . In this February 1996 memorandum to U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, President Clinton outlines his position on school uniforms. Manual on School Uniforms . Loren Siegel, director of the public education dept. of the American Civil Liberties Union, expresses doubts about the value of uniforms. School Uniform Fact Sheet .