I would like to thank the judges, opponents, and audience for attending this debate.

For our first point. It helps prevent gangs/groups/bullying. Walk into any public
school where uniforms are not part of the policy and you’ll likely see children in
small groups, clearly separated from the others. Look closer and you’ll probably
see a common style of dress within each group. The way you dress often dictates
the type of group you belong to. Having one, undifferentiated outfit, on the other
hand, helps to reduce social segregation and stereotypical labeling. From
https://www.concordlakeacademy.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=634077
&id=0. Also, 20% of public school students and 73% of private school students
wear uniforms. A study conducted by the National Association of Elementary
School Principals revealed that 70% of schools with uniforms saw a decrease in
bullying incidents. This reduction is due to the elimination of competition over
fashion and brand names. Not only that, if we wear school uniforms it can help
them to feel safer at school. Students who wear school uniforms are less likely to
be bullied than those who don't because the uniform levels out social class and
wealth disparity. School intervention programmes (which includes school
uniforms) are reported to reduce bullying by 30-50%. Although 52% of students,
parents, and teachers strongly dislike the current uniform policy. The survey
conducted in Richmond County about the school dress code revealed widespread
dissatisfaction with the current policy. It still is important. (R1)Some people may
say uniforms suppress students’ ability to express themselves through clothing
which is a common form of self-expression. Some may say that students feel their
individuality is diminished when they are forced to wear the same attire as
everyone else. This may cause students to feel that their opinions are not valued.
This emotion among students may even be the one to cause gangs and groups.
However, although this limits students' ability to express themselves, it can also be
a way to promote a sense of unity which can be even stronger in an environment
such as school. This helps students also focus more on academic and personal
growth that will help in the future when a person may need to represent something
bigger than their own opinions. Uniforms do not decrease individuality; they
simply encourage other forms of self-expression that go beyond outward
appearance. Also keep in mind that an individual may express themselves outside
of school and that school is really meant for learning. If a student wishes to express
themselves, there are many other ways to do it apart from clothing.
 For the second point, school uniforms reduce distractions and help students
become more focused on their academic studies. Focusing on education is
important for a kid’s future, and wearing what they think will give them a higher
social status will distract them from their studies and from gaining academic
success. According to NordAngliaEducation.com, “Fashion trends and owning the
latest styles become the priority, and it could lead to a downturn in that child’s
progress at school.” School is a place to learn, grow, study academics, and to
prepare for the outside world. If the students are distracted by the latest trends or
what their friends are wearing, then their priority becomes their outward
appearance, and not their intellect and studies. Also Students, girls in particular,
can spend hours at a time deciding on what to wear. This distraction can be
dangerous when it starts to impact the students’ attendance. According to
breznikar.com, “Fewer tardies and distractions mean students who wear uniforms
are able to devote more time to learning.” School uniforms make it easier for the
students to choose what their outfit is, and not have to sacrifice their time that is
supposed to be devoted to their studies because they cannot decide on which shirt
to wear. If students are forced to wear a uniform, they can devote more time to
their studies instead of wasting their time on debating on which shirt looks best,
and getting regular tarties as a result. Also by reducing distractions like clothes,
students can focus on their moral code and intellect. In one of our former
president’s famous speeches, Bill Clinton states, “I challenge all our schools to
teach character education, to teach good values and good citizenship. And if it
means that teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our
public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms”
(Clinton “State of the Union Address”) If we eliminate the distractions of the
pressure of a students’ outward appearance, we can focus on working on the
students’ virtues and knowledge, just as former president Bill Clinton stated. (R2)
although School uniforms can be restrictive, as they may not allow students to
wear clothing that is comfortable or suitable for their climate. This can lead to
discomfort and distraction, which can negatively impact a student’s ability to learn.
Are-school-uniforms-good-or-bad. For the 3rd point.
 It helps unify students. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live
together in unity!” (Psalm 133). This shows that God wants us to be unified and
uniforms can help with that. In fact the bible has even more quotes. “to be put into
effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven
and on earth under Christ.” (Ephesians 1:10) God wants us to be a part of one
being as ephesians 4:3-6 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through
the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one
hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father
of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” As you can see God even calls us
to be unified and that can include uniforms. ​Minimizes Peer Pressure and Bullying:
Uniforms can reduce the pressure to conform to certain fashion trends or brands,
which can lead to less bullying based on appearance or economic status. R3 Some
people might point out that school uniforms can be costly, and not all parents have
the money to afford them. Although they are right, uniforms can be very expensive
even costing $40 per shirt, popular brands like lululemon and nike can be also very
expensive, too. And since kids are pressured to wear these clothes to fit in, they
persuade their parents to buy these clothes. Also, if a student is poorer than the rest,
they could get away with wearing the same outfit everyday in a school that requires
uniforms because nobody would notice; on the other hand, if that student went to a
school that did not require a uniform, it would be easy to tell if he wore the same
clothes everyday and maybe get bullied for it. He would also get more easily peer
pressured to buy many overpriced outfits and waste his money if this was the case.
If the students were forced to wear uniforms, this situation could be avoided. And
our 4th reason
 Uniforms save time and money. While there is a cost for school uniforms, it
is usually much less than having to pay for new school “wardrobes”. Especially
when kids often feel the pressure to buy expensive designer or trendy clothes in
order to “fit in”. Having clear and specific school uniforms makes it much easier
for parents to know exactly what needs to be purchased, in the end saving all the
hours that may have been spent shopping in the mall. In addition it saves parents
from the guilt trip that comes from children from trying to persuade them to buy
what they want. According to www.romper.com parents spend about 200-500
dollars on back to school clothes and shoes. In fact, Back-to-school shopping is not
only made easier by having uniforms, but it also reduces the time and stress
involved with kids getting ready in the morning. Statistics from the Journalist’s
Source say that schools with uniforms saw a 105 improvement in student
punctuality, attributed to the reduced time spent with outfit choices. Kids don’t
have to worry about what their friends are wearing or about keeping up with the
constantly changing fashion trends. Removing the burden allows kids to focus on
more important things. Refutation for R4- although some say that school uniforms
cost a lot too, it depends and although people say well that also depends where you
buy your clothes. But if you were a parent would you want your kid walking in
with cheap clothes and made fun of? No! Would you want them to walk in with
nice clothes even if they're expensive? Yes. or would you want them to not be
bullied at all and have them wear a uniform? What do you hate more? Your child
being bullied for their clothes or them being bullied not at all for their clothes due
to the fact that they all look the same? I would bet that you don't want your child
bullied at all. In fact
https://shop.catholicsupply.com/blog/How-School-Uniforms-Save-Money?srsltid=
AfmBOoo6sctd8MbNJZ3xSRm4_Flaa-MPm1j0wXq7dHSU8uIkRVRtYwE4 says
According to recent NY Post article, "most parents responded that they spent $48
on pants for their children and that $30 was a "reasonable" price for a T-shirt.
Using those figures, the average American family is encountering a figure
approaching, and in some cases surpassing, $300 per child for back-to-school
clothing. Contrast that figure with the cost of a year's worth of school uniforms:one
year (five tops and five bottoms) of school uniform or standardized dress code
clothing is $150. Therefore families can save at least $150 per child on
back-to-school clothes!If these savings are applied over a 12-year career, each
child could save $1800! These savings are more than enough to help students
prepare for college expenses, when money is tight due to rising tuition costs.And
for the 5th and final reason,

Uniforms simplify morning routines. School uniforms simplify the morning routine
for families and reduce the time spent deciding what to wear, improving attendance
and punctuality while reducing stress for parents and children. This would also
allow for more free time––time students can spend studying, sleeping in, hanging
out with friends. Also on average girls and boys take about 5 minutes minimum.
Girls will usually take 1 hour doing their hair and makeup, and add in the time to
brush their teeth, eat breakfast. All of this has to be done before school. In fact,
https://www.strangecharmed.com/2023/dress-for-success-unleashing-your-producti
vity-through-a-daily-uniform/ says, “One of the primary advantages of having a
daily uniform is that it eliminates decision fatigue. By establishing a consistent
outfit formula, you free up mental energy that can be better spent on more
important decisions throughout the day. School uniforms exemplify this principle
by simplifying the morning routine and ensuring students can focus on their
education rather than agonizing over their attire. By reducing the number of
choices you need to make each day, you gain more mental clarity and create a solid
foundation for increased productivity.” Some people might argue that not all students
take forever deciding what to wear. Also, morning routines can take longer because of
breakfast and other things. In addition, students might pick out their outfits the night
before so they can just put on their clothes. But, if they don’t do that then they might
become stressed and end up taking longer to get ready. On the other hand, having school
uniforms can simplify the morning routine for the student and parents, as they do not
have to worry about what to wear. This saves time and can reduce stress, allowing
students to focus on more important things. Students who have school uniforms can also
lay out their uniform the night before. Also, if the student forgot to lay out their clothes,
they will still have more time in the morning and not be stressed.
Are-school-uniforms-good-or-bad.
Thank you
Possible CX:

1.​ Do you like wearing this uniform?

2.​ Are you aware of certain trends that are distracting and inappropriate for
school?
a.​ Are you aware that since these trends are popular, students might
choose to wear these clothes to school?
3.​ Would you want to feel horrible if you were poor and other people showed
off their wealth?
a.​ Would you want to be bullied because of that?
4.​ Are your parents willing to spend thousands of dollars on brands like Gucci
or lululemon?
5.​ Have you ever been bullied because of your clothes?
a.​ You don't have to worry about that right?
6.​ Would you want someone to be bullied due to the fact that they don't have
cool clothes?
7.​ As we said earlier it decreases violence, social hierarchies, and other things.
Did we say that?
8.​ Would you want to have your parents always having to pay $5000 just to
clothe you with the cool things to “fit in”
9.​