Schools all over America are adopting school uniforms. But, should students wear school uniforms? Does it benefit the students?

There are both pros and cons to school uniforms. However, I believe that the cons outweigh the pros.

I think that having school uniforms would limit self-expression.

Self-expression is very important, especially as children and teenagers when one is starting to or still developing his or her sense of self. Uniforms do not allow individuals to express their uniqueness.

According to American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLU), ¨Giving kids a choice to express themselves not only acknowledges their individuality but creates the possibility for a relationship of mutual respect.¨As long as the freedom of choice does not take away from a child’s learning, then schools should be encouraging, not standardizing self-expression.

Not only do school uniforms take away from student individuality, they don’t help improve attendance, test scores, disciplinary behavior problems, substance abuse or academic achievement.

I understand that administrators, school boards and teachers believe that it will put all children on a ¨level playing field¨, but I don’t think it does. It teaches kids that differences should be hidden and they’re not. Kids need to express their individuality.

Editorial Column by KC Warren