A Case For School Uniforms

I enjoy athletics, both high school and college. Over the years of having three children playing high school sports, I have attended a few games — all sorts of games: basketball, football, soccer, baseball, track meets, even golf matches. Now, my sons are venturing into the coaching profession, so I am back in the stands. Though my vantage point has changed, it is a long-standing conviction that high school teachers and coaches have some of the most important (and unappreciated) jobs in our society. To all who are conscientious in wanting to develop character as well as skill in our youth, I applaud and am deeply grateful for all that you do.

However, this article is about observations that I have made concerning our young people. Frankly, it is alarming to see the dress of many young girls. High skirts and plunging necklines on girls only a few years removed from childhood are not only shocking but saddening! Human beings, according to God's Word, are born with sin issues in their hearts. There is a basic intuitive inclination toward sin. This should be obvious to every parent. Misbehavior is natural. No parent instructs a child to lie yet all tend to do so, especially when caught in misbehavior. Every one goes his own way contrary to God's will. Even so, no one is born guilty of every sin or with a conscience defiled by every form of iniquity. Sexual purity is a precious gift to all our children. It is a gift that we ought to teach them to value in themselves and in others. The preservation of this gift is a vital part of maintaining personal integrity and of laying a good foundation for marriage. Consequently, it is difficult seeing young people openly flaunting their sexuality. Adolescence is a virtual minefield sexually without the added stimuli of provocative dress and behavior. Whether or not it is true of them, young girls who dress so as to focus attention on their sexuality are giving distinct impressions about their own morality. Impressions which many of the young men they are hoping to please will find repulsive when they come to marry.

Furthermore, it strikes me that most of these young people do not appear at all happy. The adult world is not very happy place for adults at times, much less for children!

The question keeps coming to mind: where are the dads? Men know the vile thoughts and desires of the male imagination. So, what dad would allow his daughter to attract those degrading stares and conversations needlessly? Where are the mothers, who naturally desire that their daughters would be models of virtue — not models for the adult entertainment industry? Is anyone paying attention?

This underscores my long-standing opinion that school uniforms ought to be mandatory dress during classroom hours, if not at school functions. Forget individuality if that individuality is undisciplined and provoking. That is counterproductive to educating. It is also counterproductive to preparing young people to be outstanding citizens and parents. Granted this is not the best solution. However, it is preferable to no solution!