Schools throughout Connecticut have implemented dress code policies. However, school administrators and students alike are faced with the question: Do school uniforms affect the educational process?

The debate about whether or not school uniforms are a good idea has been going on for a long time now. Schools that enforce a uniform policy believe that mandatory attire decreases the amount of distraction in classrooms and helps to create a more appropriate learning environment for the students. School administrators also claim that children tend to behave more maturely when they are dressed more professionally. The economic aspect of this topic also plays an important role in deciding whether or not to implement a mandatory uniform policy.

People who oppose the idea of a school uniform policy argue that telling students what they can and cannot wear is a violation of their right to express themselves.

Ansonia, one of the many towns in Connecticut that has put a uniform policy into action, has seen differences in the schools. The issue of the dress code, brought to administrators by parents in the community, came up because the students were not dressing appropriately. In an attempt to prevent this, the Ansonia Board of Education enforced a mandatory uniform policy in 2000.

“It was very difficult for administration to monitor what students were wearing,” said Ansonia Superintendent, Carol Merlone.

Officials decided that the most effective solution would be to enforce a school uniform policy.

“The uniforms developed a community of respect,” said Merlone.

Many people tend to believe that the students will not like a mandatory dress code. But, contrary to common belief, this is not always the case.

“I think the dress code is helpful and a little obnoxious at the same time,” said Emma Rydzy, an Ansonia High School student. “It’s high school, and you want to dress how you like, not how your superintendent wants you to. However, it’s helpful in the mornings when you’re running late.”

Unfortunately, not all students can see the benefits to school uniforms. Merlone described an incident in which students initially refused to wear the uniforms. In this case, the students were sent to the school store and told to purchase appropriate attire before returning to class. Any student that continued to refuse to wear the uniforms was deemed insubordinate and more severe consequences were administered.

Another advantage to school uniforms is the lower prices. Parents have thanked Merlone for enforcing the dress code because they would have spent more money buying clothing from stores. According to administrators, the elementary school dress shirts usually cost $6.99 and the high school and middle school shirts cost $12.99. These prices are much less expensive than $25 shirts from Hollister and Abercrombie.

Despite the lower prices and the convenience of not having to pick out clothes every morning, not all people are convinced that school uniforms have a positive effect on the educational process.