At first glance, fashion may seem to have very little to do with learning, but as the saying goes, "Clothes make the man", or in this case “The clothes that make the student” – the compulsory uniform policy has made a clear difference in many schools around the world. Over the past decade, the implementation of such decisions has increased, sparking waves of debate among students, parents and teachers. Today, as incidents of bullying, teen suicides, and gang violence continue to rise, it has become necessary for educators to provide students with emotional and social support, in addition to the traditional school curriculum. In an effort to reduce these negative effects, school uniforms have become a simple but effective solution to help create a more positive learning environment. The facts will confirm that a compulsory school uniform policy is an essential part of a comprehensive approach that can raise self-discipline and academic achievement to a higher level. Opponents of school uniform policies proclaim the practice to be futile. Additionally, they claim that it infringes on students' freedom of expression while restricting their creativity (Knechtle, Mitchell 487). Ann Bodine, in her ethnographic study, defines student clothing as a “screen onto which all kinds of beliefs, anxieties and aspirations are projected” (60). How a student chooses to dress is obviously much more than an expression of a personal statement or style. It is a mode of communication and transmission to the world where one adapts based on socio-economic status, groups, as well as other factors that can marginalize students who do not fit specific criteria. Schools serve as a gateway to adulthood. .... middle of paper ......e. “A mandatory uniform policy in urban schools: results of the school crime and safety survey.” International Journal of Educational Policy and Leadership 5.8 (2010): 1-13. Internet. March 26, 2014. Hughes, Eloise S. “Effects of Mandatory School Uniforms on Student Attendance, Disciplinary Referrals, and Classroom Environment.” » Diss. University of Houston, 1996. Huss, John. "The role of school uniforms in creating a motivating academic climate: do uniforms influence teachers' expectations?" » Journal of Ethnographic and Qualitative Research, (2007): 31-39. Web. Knechtle, JC, H. Mitchell. “Public School Uniforms and the First Amendment: A Constitutional Analysis.” Journal of Black Education 72 (2003): 487-494. Internet. March 27, 2014. Yeung, Ryan. “Are school uniforms a good choice? ECLS-K and NELS results. Education Policy 23.6 (2009): 847-874. Internet. March 29. 2014