In material terms, the clothes that children wore to school were predicated upon their class status (Brunsma n. pag.) .
Late in 1980, Washington, D.C., mayor Marion Barry began discussing with his administration the possibility of a proposal of a standardized dress code for D.C.'s public schools. Prompted by incidents of violence in or near D.C. public schools, Barry figured that uniforms would help to remedy such situations. Not using the term "uniform," because it sounded too militaristic, he speculated that such a policy would foster school spirit, save parents money, and deter the infiltration of outsiders on campuses. Reaction spanned disbelief, sarcastic criticism, and cautious approval. It wouldn't be until 1987, after the publication of A Nation at Risk and the strengthening of corporate influence in schooling and educational policy, that the first heavily publicized public school uniform policy would be implemented (Brunsma n. pag.).
Brunsma, David L. "school uniforms." Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
“If a school has kids in different economic classes, a dress code could help the kids who can't afford lots of clothes” ("Dress codes: pros and cons." n.pag.).
“It's important that everybody dress appropriately. Little kids look up to us and we should set a good example for them” ("Dress codes: pros and cons." n.pag.).
“At my school, we have to wear polo shirts and pants, which started because some kids were dressing inappropriately. This can distract kids from school work” ("Dress codes: pros and cons." n.pag.).
"Dress codes: pros and cons." New Moon Girls Sept.-Oct. 2012: 15. General OneFile. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
In an effort to counter the influence and intimidation caused by the presence of gangs on campus, more and more schools have added regulations to their dress codes that prohibit students from wearing clothing typically associated with gang membership. These restrictions generally...