Parents vary on the issue of school uniforms. Parents such as Carol McLean, who has a student attending Rocky Point Primary School in North Carolina, embrace that students wear uniforms because all students look presentable and equal to one another. Others, such as Sherri Beaman, claim that uniforms limit a students' choice of clothing and the clothes are ill fitting, as opposed to deciding what to wear on your own.
Many student oppose wearing uniforms because it limits their rights. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects an individuals right to speech, artistic, religious and political expression. The Supreme Court Case rules that schools are not above the constitution and the laws apply as students cross the school yard gate.
School uniforms are often introduced to combat distractions from students wearing clothing that may distract from the learning atmosphere, such as incredibly bright colors or baggy pants. Another purpose is to eliminate the inequalities that poorer students face due to wearing clothing from department stores instead of the more expensive mall stores. Some teachers claim that it has caused less distraction among students, while others focus on the fact that there is always something else that can cause a distraction if it isn't the outfits of the students.
The school board may introduce school uniforms to try to combat poor academic performance or reduce gang activity. Superintendent Joshua Starr from Stamford states that, "School uniforms will not cause students to achieve at a higher level." He, instead, argues that they help to foster a sense of community. A study conducted by researchers David L. Brunsma and Kerry A. Rockquemore found that students were just as likely to fight, drink, do drugs and use alcohol in schools where uniforms were required. Students in areas where uniforms were required had slightly lower achievement scores, but the different was so small it should not be factored into the equation.