Currently there is a bill in the state of South Carolina trying to be passed that all public school students will be required by a state dress code to wear uniforms. Although this may not sound terrible in my personal case and for many other peers of mine this is a huge deal.
Firstly, there are plenty of girls, boys, transgenders, and non-binary people who do not feel comfortable in dresses, skirts, pants, button ups, tights, blouses, etcétera. For instance let's say there is a boy but he was born a female and you tell that boy he has to wear a dress everyday for the rest of his school life. Image how that would make you feel. That boy would end up embarrassed, depressed, and possibly suicidal. This could also be the case for anyone uncomfortable in what they are forced to wear.
Secondly, the argument made to pass this bill is, “… peer pressure causes students to ask their parents to spend large sums of money to ensure that they can wear designer clothes to school on a regular basis.” Although there is peer pressure and differences between students among their clothing does exist so do incomes of families. Being different and expressing yourself through your clothing sets you up for the future and learning how to be open and okay with the image of yourself. Also some people wear the same clothes and that may mean their families do not have the best income but it could also just be the child’s personal decision.
Thirdly, in most schools with uniforms they tend to have three to five different uniforms per season this cost can be more than the cost of buying your own clothes. Uniforms are not very cheap and with the poverty rate in South Carolina many families will not be able to afford the cost especially when dealing with multiple children amounts the family.
Fourthly, students should not be distracted by other students clothing because they are revealing. If someone choose to wear something that shows too much they should be dresscoded. The entire state should not be punished for what less than half of the state wears. Many female peers of mine have said things such as “It’s not my fault I have curves and men are distracted by me. In my opinion men should be taught not to think of women as sexual figures but as educated and independent individuals.” and “Even if we go to uniforms button ups would make a gap where my breasts are.”
A possible solution to the problem of students being uncomfortable could be to accommodate them better and let them choose what outfits they would be comfortable in.
A possible solution to peer pressure could be to better enforce bullying and disciplinary policies. And teach students respect of all others no matter race, sexuality, gender, height, weight, abilities, etcétera.
A possible solution to the cost of uniforms could be to not pass this bill because if this bill passes there will be many students and parents upset throughout the state.
Thank you for your consideration in signing this petition and I hope you will help me in the successes of my goal.