DRESS AND GROOMING

DRESS AND GROOMING

po5511Adopted April 23, 2018Revised April 25, 2022

5511 - DRESS AND GROOMING

The Board of Education recognizes that each student's mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices interfere with the educational program of the schools. Students have the right to dress in accordance with their gender identity, within the constraints of the dress code promulgated by the school.

Accordingly, the Superintendent shall establish such grooming guidelines as are necessary to promote discipline, maintain order, secure the safety of students, and provide a healthy environment conducive to academic purposes. Such guidelines shall prohibit student dress or grooming practices which:

  1. present a hazard to the health or safety of the student or to others in the school;

  2. interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program;

  3. cause excessive wear or damage to school property;

  4. prevent the student from achieving educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.

Such guidelines shall establish the dress requirements for members of the athletic teams, bands, and other school groups when representing the District at a public event.

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines to implement this policy which:

  1. designate the principal as the arbiter of student dress and grooming at the building level;

  2. instruct staff members to demonstrate, by example and precept, personal neatness, cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and good sense in attire and appearance;

  3. ensure that all administrative guidelines impose only minimum and necessary restrictions on the exercise of the student's taste and individuality;

  4. direct staff to enforce the school’s dress code in a nondiscriminatory and uniform manner, including without regard to whether a student is transgender or gender nonconforming.

Students who violate the foregoing rules will not be admitted to class and may be suspended from school.

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