Kirushnarajah
Sajeetan Kirushnarajah
Mrs. Ferris-Little
ENG 3U1
23 October 2017
Uniforms Should not be Allowed in Canadian Public Schools
In 2004, Central Peel Secondary in Brampton was the first school to introduce informs in Peel, Canada’s second largest school board (Coyne). Although students greatly oppose the introduction of school uniforms in Canadian public schools, the uniform debate continues to be discussed and introduction to schools has began. However, uniforms pose many disadvantages to Canadian students and families. Uniforms should be banned in schools because they inhibit student’s freedom of expression, they add additional expenses on the families and the push of uniforms is driven by commercial interest.
Firstly, uniforms do not allow students to have freedom of expression. As a right for Canadians to freely express themselves, uniforms take away that freedom. As stated in section 2(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, “freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication” (“Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms”). Uniforms go against students right of expression by restraining their freedom to wear clothing they feel expresses themselves. By inhibiting freedom of expression, conformity over individuality is promoted. This sentiment is perfectly encompassed in this quote by George Carlin: "Don't these schools do enough damage, making all these children think alike? Now they're gonna get them to look alike, too?" (Carlin). Why take away all the aspects that add to student’s individuality? Making students conform to a standard when they should be pushed to embrace their individuality in order to set themselves apart. Finally, allowing students to make their own decisions teaches responsibility. Eventually, students are going to have to be completely independent. After high school, it’s expected for students to make major decisions regarding their future. But how are students expected to determine a future career, if they are not allowed to even decide on simple tasks such as what to wear in the morning? Students need to be given more freedoms and allowed to make their own decisions to prepare them for life after school. In essence, students are being stripped of their rights, individuality and their freedom to make decisions.
Another reason uniforms should be banned is the additional expense they put on families. In a country that promises free education, parents shouldn’t be forced to pay for yet another expense. School fees and the cost of school supplies already have parents paying additional costs, school uniforms will only further add to those. Also, uniforms require parents to buy additional clothing. Students still need clothes for after school and the weekends, adding uniforms to the mix makes it more difficult for poorer families. Especially when uniforms average close to $300. Together with, students being punished when their families are unable to...
