This topic came into significance in the last half of the 20th century. One of the more famous court cases concerning this debate was the 1969 Tinker vs. Des Moines School District case, where the outcome deemed that students have a right to "wear black arm bands protesting the Vietnam War." President Clinton, in his 1996 State of the Union Address, expressed his support for public school districts adopting uniform policies as a means to decrease school violence. Since then, there has been an increase in the number of public schools and public school districts implementing uniform dress code or dress code restrictions.
According to GreatSchools.org, proponents of a school dress code argue that it promotes discipline and moral integrity, makes students feel prideful that they are part of a community and prevents "gangs from forming on campus." Other arguments are that it prevents clashes over controversial or revealing clothes, allows those unable to purchase high-end fashion clothing products to not feel inferior and makes students behave better coming to and from campus. Also, supporters point out that most jobs require some sort of dress code, and this helps prepare students for their career.
Opponents of a mandatory dress code often express that uniforms limit the freedom of students to express themselves, and hence are in direct contrast with the principles of American society. They also argue that there is not sufficient evidence to show that uniforms prevent bullying or promote academic and ethical discipline. Moreover, opponents say uniforms only increase tensions between rival schools. School dress codes also cost money and are seen by opponents as an added expense, especially for low-income families. And in response to the argument that uniforms prepare students for the working world, opponents have said that the business world is increasingly lax towards work dress codes.
There is no right or wrong answer or decision to this debate. Currently many American school districts need ways to not only improve their academic performance, but also enhance the safety of their of their school. Opponents see the implementation of a school uniform as militaristic and mostly ineffectual, while supporters see it as a big stepping stone in increasing the academic productivity and physical security of a school. Incidents such as the Columbine massacre have only made this debate more heated. While a dress code is not the magic answer to improve a school, it certainly must be considered and researched more as a viable option when discussing changes to better an academic institution.