Full Description
School uniform polices, often associated with private schools, are increasingly being adopted in public schools; but not without controversy. The often asserted reasons for mandating uniforms include improved student behavior, better attendance, less competition over clothing, and improved student learning because students would not be distracted by who was wearing what and could focus on their studies. Wishful thinking or empirically tested hypotheses? However, opponents assert that a mandated uniform seeks to homogenize the students, violates their free speech rights, and does not solve the problems the policy is intended to remedy.
The Challenges of Mandating School Uniforms in the Public Schools: Free Speech, Research, and Policy explores the policy rationale, the constitutional rights of students, and the research on the impact of school uniforms. Educators, parents, and policymakers will find this book and its companion, Student Dress Codes and the First Amendment: Legal Challenges and Policy Issues, a must read when considering student attire issues.
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: School Uniforms and Dress Codes: From the Clothes Closet to the
Courtroom
Chapter 2: Student Free Speech and Clothing Choices
Chapter 3: Draft Cards and the American Flag: Non-Education Free Speech Cases
Chapter 4: School Uniforms: Required Attire
Chapter 5: Research on School Uniforms: Mixed Results
Chapter 6: Policy Implications from Case Law and Research: Real Promise or a
Vain Hope?
Case Citations
About the Authors
