Schools across the country are increasingly concerned about violence and safety. One way to control this problem is to use school uniforms. One in five schools across the country, both public and private, now require the wearing of a school uniform. (Daniels) Students oppose the use of uniforms in schools due to lack of expression. “I believe that when we go to school, we go there to learn.” said Montgomery Schools Superintendent Barbara Thompson. (Nettles) Students are at school to learn and not worry about what they wear. Yes, free speech may be stifled in the process, but there are bigger reasons why there is a problem. need uniforms. We tend to understand that there is a difference between a dress code and a uniform. However, most school dress codes have become as strict as uniforms. (Daniels) Dress codes require a certain set of rules for a student. be careful when getting dressed for school in the morning. Some rules might include the length of shorts or the width of a strap on a top. While many agree with these codes, many disagree with the uniforms. including items such as dress pants and a dress shirt. (Daniels) School uniforms and dress codes in schools are becoming more and more specific. Schools evolve with the world around them to implement up-to-date policies. All this, even if many students oppose it. Uniforms contribute to the lack of self-expression, parents and teachers are for them. Uniforms come at an additional cost to parents, but eliminate extra shopping before school starts. Parents spend less money on clothes and eliminate the need to buy new ones every year. School officials say school uniforms... middle of paper ... in terms of productivity. As President Clinton said: "If it means classrooms will be tidier and more disciplined, and our young people will learn to evaluate themselves by who they are inside, rather than by what they are inside." 'they wear on the outside, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear uniforms. Ultimately, the uniforms seem to have had more positive than negative results. Students are under less pressure to dress like everyone else just to fit in, and parents are less forced to worry about how their students are doing in school. Yes, it's a little more expensive but you don't need to have a full wardrobe, just a few outfits. Soon there will be a realization that there is a need for safety in schools rather than self-expression and you will see more and more uniforms in schools across the country..