School uniforms promoting safety in direct and subtle ways is one of the strongest reasons for implementing a school uniform policy. Students all wearing uniforms allows intruders to be readily identified. School uniforms also indirectly prevents theft as there is less or nothing to steal from another student wearing the exact same clothing. An indirect psychological effect is that there is a stronger sense of safety in the student's mind in sameness and in numbers.
The notion of equality from uniforms applies towards socio-economic equality. A school uniform reinforces a popular teaching to children: "Everyone is born equal." Using this basis, uniform policies can suppress superiority/inferiority complexes and promotes a student as a person rather than his or her belongings. Additionally, by having no other articles of clothing, uniforms can safely hide and different religious beliefs. Lastly, school administrators argue that a uniform promotes school spirit; it builds oneness and instills the value of community to students.
Teachers strongly argue that a school is a place mandated for learning. Uniforms are a way to keep students' minds focused in class, in addition to eliminating other distractions such as cell-phones and non-school items. Additionally, uniform policies also have requirements such as proper haircut and overall neatness. By students having an accepted and clean appearance at all times, it allows for a stronger sense of order and focus in school activities.
Opponents of the uniform policy argue that uniforms are a violation of freedom of expression. They believe that schools enforce uniforms not for any of the benefits but to maintain control over students. They argue this has psychological implications of dominance and suppression over students. Schools say they have been transparent over their uniform policies and often involve parents and students to the process prior to implementing such policies.