( This was my speech when we had our class debate in college. Our proposition is “School uniforms in Bicol University must be banned.” By the way, I am the 2nd speaker of the opposition side. I hope you like it! :D )
Good day ladies and gentlemen! I can assure you that wearing civil dress, not school uniforms are disadvantages to us students. Why did I say so? First, having no uniform code means NO IDENTITY. We cannot instantly identify students who are enrolled on that particular school/university and those who are only intruders. Therefore, we cannot rely on the securities that are provided by the school itself. So, that means that there is another disadvantage and that is crime rates might increase. Remember that our school is also a place where we spend most of our times that’s why we must feel at home and treated special in that place. We must feel secure in every corner of the university just like we are in our own homes. Who wants to stay in a place where your safety is not even considered?
Another detriment we can get from what our worthy opponents are trying to defend is that there is no equality among students. Children tend to be misjudged and ridiculed by others due to the kind of clothes they wear. Good for those who are rich enough and can afford to buy nice dresses. How about to the poor ones who have limited dresses/shirts to wear? Will they use the same dress or shirt all over again while others are comparing their new suits? You see, these may lead to embarrassment, teasing, and sometimes, the what we call “bullying”. Thus, having no uniforms will add social conflicts and violence in school.
Peer pressure will also be present. For example, a girl who wants to be like her friends, who are wearing the latest fashion, will also be encouraged to wear the same fashion even if it is against her will but since her friends wear it, she will make herself believe that it is good.
It can also add hassle for the family. Students might encounter arguments with their parents on what to wear. If the parents don’t like the taste of their children in terms of fashion, then it will be a source of chaos every morning.
Maybe our worthy opponents are right with regards to the “freedom of expression” thingy. But is it really reasonable to have it in exchange to our identity? Security? Equality? Self-consciousness? And family relations? Ladies and gentlemen, I guess it is necessary for us to decide first what is more beneficial to the students and at the same time, the university. And so, I will now rest my case.
