The Positive Side to School Uniforms

School uniforms have long been worn in private and parochial schools but today, some public schools are requiring it as well. As you can imagine, there is a lot of debate about this with parents, teachers, administrators and students weighing in on the pros and cons.
One teacher I know in California favors uniforms as he feels it acts as an equalizer for students who come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Others point out that with gang participation up in schools, especially among high school students, it prevents violence, at least during school hours, since everyone must conform to the school’s dress code and signifiers of gang colors are not allowed. Uniforms are also perceived as another way to prevent bullying. Kids who dress differently, often for economic reasons (not having the money to afford the latest trends) can become easy prey for bullies.
I know parents with children in private school who simply like the fact that in the morning they don’t have to spend time helping their kids plan their outfits, tell them that something they are wearing is inappropriate or have to do extra clothes shopping.
While wearing a uniform, a student is an obvious representative of the school, in the same way that uniformed police represents the police force and a doorman represents the building. To stimulate school pride or belonging, uniforms might make sense.  Not least, wearing a uniform lets teachers and others know if there is someone on school property who does not belong there.
As someone who has always had a flare for style and consider my own sense of fashion to be part of my identity, I understand the desire students have for wanting to express themselves with their dress. How can we accommodate this and make uniforms stylish?
Perhaps giving students several seasonal options to choose from so it is not the usual blue blazer or plaid skirt will help. I often think people just want to be involved in the design process.  Maybe creating a student uniform committee and having them involved in the actual look of the uniforms would change the resistance to wearing uniforms in the first place. For instance, if students were given three different tie options it would allow them to feel that in spite of the uniform, they have a say in their attire.
As the debate continues, more schools are opting for uniforms and I think there is a way of implementing them that includes the students and the fashion trends of today.  On the whole, it can be a very positive thing.