Index IntroductionStatistics on Adoption of School UniformsCritique of School UniformsBenefits of School UniformsConclusionIntroductionThe first recorded application of school uniforms can be traced back to England in 1922, where provisions were made for students to wear a dressing gown . as a dress. It was, however, until the 16th century that modern school uniforms took center stage. Over the centuries, different institutions have invented their own type of uniform and even governments, especially in high-poverty areas of the world, have stipulated that all students in registered schools should adorn school uniforms. Developed countries like the United States, however, have yet to fully embrace this act. Over the centuries, people have questioned this phenomenon; others are unable to understand its meaning, while others simply make unfounded statements without any basis. It is for this reason that this article will delve deeper into the issue by outlining in more detail the explanation for this phenomenon. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on the topic "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get Original Essay School Uniform Adoption Statistics According to statistics released by the National Education Center in 2014, there has been an increase in the adoption of school uniforms by institutions from 13% in 2003-2004 to 19% in the latest survey for the 2011-2012 school years (V opat Mark, 206). This slow increase in the number of schools adopting it is due to some issues raised by anti-school uniform crusaders. Key issues of concern they have raised include: school uniforms violate students' rights to freely express their individuality, uniforms have no direct positive effect or influence on behavior and academic performance. That it is the same uniforms that emphasize socioeconomic disparities, they intend to mask them (V opat Mark, 210). Criticism of School Uniforms Contrary to this school of thought, although people have the right to their opinions and freedom of expression as enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution, the importance of school uniforms cannot be downplayed. Several critics have raised questions about why people would be “forced” to wear something without their prior consent (Wilken, Ilani & Van Aardt, 160). This debate was the subject of a court case in 1969 in which the Supreme Court of Information Essay ruled that schools should not infringe on students' freedom of expression as long as this choice was not destructive and infringed on the rights of others. Benefits of School UniformsHowever, all said and done, school uniforms play a significant role in the development of individuals. First, it makes the school environment safer for students. In a scenario where people have a consistent dress code, it is usually difficult for intruders with bad intentions to have an easy chance of penetrating the system due to the ease of identifying legitimate students. Second, uniforms ensure a level playing field for all students, without challenging the socioeconomic disparities experienced at home (Wilken, Ilani & Van Aardt, 174). Once people go to school, their main agenda becomes learning and not getting distracted by typical things like the type of clothing one wears. It would also help those students with esteem issues who would be looked down upon by their wealthy peers and thus create an impression of equality, even if temporarily.:10.1080/16823206.2012.692211.