ssert that "low socioeconomic families are going without food, utilities, and rental payments to purchase mandatory school uniforms" (screen 4). Some of the schools who have adopted the mandatory uniform policy will help pay for uniforms for those in need but, the parents think that most schools are in financial need and that money should not be wasted on clothing. However, students and parents who do not want mandatory uniform policies within their public schools do not know what school is about. School is an educational institution that children attend so they can learn and receive a well-rounded education. Mandatory uniform policies would not stifle the children's creative abilities nor would it violate the First Amendment. Newsweek maintains that, "The courts have made it clear that students do not have the same rights inside of school as they do outside; clothing requirements are not considered a violation of their freedom of expression if there is a valid educational reason for imposing them." Many parents can choose to exempt their child if they have religious objections ("Uniforms Rule", screen 2). Students need to find other ways to express their creative abilities besides clothes. When did clothing equate a character or personality of a child. The students can show creativeness through artwork and schoolwork, which is much healthier. Children should not depend on school to express themselves. Students only go to school about seven to eight hours a day, five days a week. They have nights and weekends to express themselves through clothing. In addition, mandatory uniforms would not create a military environment; it would create a disciplined environment and that is what a lot of our students need. Parents that worry about the expense should know that uniforms cost less than a pair of Abercrombie & Fitch jeans and two sets of clothes do not need to be purchased. Fortune magazine adds, when we think of school uniforms...
