A school uniform makes students identify with the school, says former Utrecht education councillor and mayor of Goes René Verhulst. The introduction of compulsory school uniforms should be realised sooner rather than later, he writes in the Volkskrant.

During my time as city councillor for education in Utrecht I tried to bring back school uniforms. There were good reasons for doing so. It didn’t happen. But the discussion is ongoing. Last week primary school Bizzie Kids Basic in Almere opted for a school uniform. That’s a good thing because there are more advantages than disadvantages to having school uniforms. It’s time all schools followed the Bizzie Kids’ example!
Debate
Suitable classroom attire has always been a subject for debate. Students have been robbed of their trainers and headscarves have been banned. I think schools for reasons of identity or discipline should be allowed to have rules about what students can and cannot wear. No wearing coats in class, no caps, no crucifix, no headscarf.
In many countries these discussions are non existent. The reason is that schools with school uniforms outnumber non uniform schools. England famously has school uniforms but from Asia and Africa to Australia, South America and the Caribbean students leave the house every morning wearing a school uniform. And there are plenty of students within the European union who do the same, in the Mediterranean countries for example. It’s not a problem.
Those who are in favour or against school uniforms cannot be classified according to age, sex, wealth or political preference. A stalwart member of the SP may be in favour and a VVD liberal against. In a poll conducted in 2004 the anti uniform brigade won by only the smallest of margins.
More important things
Why are people so set against school uniforms? Some say there are more important things to think about in education. That is true but there are people starving in this world and we are still building roads.
Others say uniforms are old fashioned and humiliating. Nonsense! In Italy, fashion country of the world, uniforms are very popular and usually come in the shape of a coloured sweatshirt.
Another argument is that uniforms are egalitarian. But what else is new in student fashion? There will always be those who are ‘old school’ or ‘alternative’. And expensive cloths can arouse envy and depress students who cannot afford them.
Bond
My point is that a uniform will strengthen the bond between students and school. They will take pride in its logo and its identity. Someone not in favour mentioned that uniforms mean students can no longer play truant. I hadn’t thought of that. They are easier to pick out for the truant officials.
And of course uniforms by their conspicuousness contribute to children’s safety, for instance in public transport.
So why not have them. And I may just as well mention that I was never in the army. Nor was I ever bullied for my choice of clothes in school, a problem that is still very common. School uniforms would put an end to that too.
This is an unofficial translation