“Persuasive” speech against school dress codes

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Today’s society is built upon the values of freedom, independence and the natural rights of man. Many of our fore fathers died building this base upon which these values stand upon. Would you throw these rights away? The rights that you take for granted which were unheard of just three centuries ago. Would you be willing to sacrifice those rights just to feel a temporary relief from the dangers of today’s world?

In Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School the court said that a student’s freedom of expression in school must be protected unless it would seriously interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline. The clothing we wear is an expression of our independence and right to express ourselves for who we are. School uniforms will do nothing but cut down on a student’s individuality.

Many people say that uniforms help develop the discipline of the student. This could not be further from the truth. School uniforms only create more rules for a student to follow, thus they take away from the primary function of school: education. School is about education, social and academic, and uniforms have no viable place in that endeavor. School uniforms take up money and resources that could be allotted to more productive activities. Parents have to spend money on their children’s uniforms when they already have clothes that would be just as good. School districts have to put money, time, and effort into developing uniforms and enforcing the dress code once it has come into effect. Why not spend this cash on needed school equipment instead?

Lastly, students do not like uniforms. They are usually uncomfortable, and aggravating. They actually lower self-esteem and school spirit, contrary to popular belief. If the students do not want them and if they do not serve any useful function, why should they ever be required?

A uniform is not the way to cut down on school violence. the only thing that will cut down on school violence is if parents would pay attention to their children and keep their children out of trouble and give them consequences when they disobey and not to let them run wild Who is to say what we should and should not wear? If we let these simple rights slip through our fingers what will come next? Our freedom of speech? Our freedom of religion? Our right to vote? Where will it end once the ball starts rolling? Will we throw everything that our founding fathers fought for out the window? How important are our rights as an American citizen? And how much of it are you willing to sacrifice? How much?