In an era where some parents seem unwilling or unable to draw the "clothes" line with their children, where pop culture influences kids' clothing choices as never before, and school safety--including gang violence--is at the top of everyone's minds, school uniforms and dress codes can play a significant role. What that role should be, however, is open to interpretation and can be a source of frustration--and skirmishes. Still, uniforms offer a variety of benefits, according to supporters. In any event, ridding the schools of gang colors is just one benefit principals attribute to uniforms. There is also the ease with which students can be identified on field trips--and, on campus, the ease with which intruders out of uniform can be detected. Uniforms "promote school safety and enhance the learning environment, and diminish the clothing competition," says Linda Rondeau, assistant superintendent of educational services at Pittsburg Unified School District.