Uniforms have been a major issue to the school systems for many years. In the last forty years, public education has seen many changes in school dress styles. Many private and public schools have adopted a uniform policy, but other schools do not believe uniforms make a difference. In most present day public schools, students are permitted to choose what they wear with limited restraints. As most school districts allow the students this freedom, the schools are viewed by the public as a panacea for the ills of society. Schools are expected to solve all of America's social, economic, and political problems (Evans 139). The tragic incident at Columbine High School reveals a dress code allowing students to wear what they liked; however, the incident at Columbine may have happened anyway, with or without uniforms. School districts have been permitted to institute dress codes and many have established a written dress code (Evans 140). Uniforms do not help students concentrate more, they do not give the students a chance to express individuality, and they do not stop violence.

Many schools have refrained from getting involved in school uniforms. Some opponents of

Will uniforms decrease violence and theft? Will uniforms assist students to resist peer pressure (Hemphill 17)? In a Long Beach, California school, 71.2% of the students said they did not feel any safer going to and from school because of uniforms. Also, 80% of the students indicated fights would not be reduced by wearing uniforms (Stanley 429). Olivia Ryan, a nine year old who attends a New York City school with a uniform policy, stated, "I don't really think that they're going to act better because of what you're wearing. You're still the same person inside" (Stanley 430). A drastic change in what a student wears often indicates underlying problems that may need to be addressed. The clothes a student chooses to wear often indicates personal feelings and potential problems (King 35).

The debate about school uniforms is not a simple yes or no answer. Much of the answer depends on the chemistry that exists in a school between students and staff. Uniforms might appear to the public as the answer to a school's problems, but the ultimate decision is the behavioral change made by the students themselves.

Many educators, school administrators, and parents believe that uniforms can solve school problems. They believe students would be able to stay more focused and disciplined if they wore uniforms. Many principles reported the students felt less pressure in uniforms. Students feel as though they are part of team when they are required to wear uniforms. Uniforms create social harmony due to the uniform look of similarly clothed students. If uniforms were worn, intruders who enter in the school would be easier to spot. Also, gang type clothing would be eliminated and theft would be reduced. Students would receive less ridicule from oth

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