BP 5132 — Appearance Standards

Section: 5000 - Students
Status: Active

Adopted: 2022-12-15

Policy text

APPEARANCE STANDARDS

The Governing Board believes that all students shall come to school in a comfortable and appropriate manner that allows them to be authentically who they are, while also complying with equitable dress code policies that support a productive learning environment. It is expected that all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for any school-sponsored event. Student dress choices should respect the District’s intent to sustain a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities. The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s).

The school district is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student, that student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student, and that dress code enforcement does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.

District and school rules pertaining to student attire shall be included in student handbooks, may be posted in school offices and classrooms, and will be reviewed annually with all students in middle and high school.

Students shall not be prohibited from dressing in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression or with their religious or cultural observance.

In addition, the dress code shall not discriminate against students based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, including, but not limited to, braids, locks, and twists.

The principal or designee is authorized to enforce this policy and shall inform any student who does not reasonably conform to the dress code. The dress code shall not be enforced in a manner that discriminates against a particular viewpoint or results in a disproportionate application of the dress code based on students’ gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, household income, or body type or size. The principal will review this policy and make adjustments, as necessary.

School administrators, teachers, coaches, and other staff shall be notified annually of appropriate, consistent, and equitable enforcement of the dress code.

When practical, students shall not be directed to correct a dress code violation during instructional time or in front of other students.

Repeated violations or refusal to comply with the district’s dress code may result in disciplinary action.