3224 - Student Dress

BOARD POLICY No. 3224

STUDENT DRESS

Preserving a beneficial learning environment and assuring the safety and well-being of all students are primary concerns of the board of directors.

Students' choices in matters of dress should be made in consultation with their parents/guardians. Student dress shall only be regulated when, in the judgment of school administrators, there is a reasonable expectation that:

1. 1. A health or safety hazard shall be presented by the student's dress or appearance including possible membership in a gang or hate groups;
   2. Damage to school property shall result from the student's dress; or
   3. A material and substantial disruption of the educational process will result from the student’s dress or appearance.

For the purpose of this policy, a material and substantial disruption of the educational process may be found to exist when a student's conduct is inconsistent with any part of the educational mission of the school district. Prohibited conduct includes the use of lewd, sexual, drug, tobacco or alcohol-related messages, and gang-related apparel.

The uniforms of nationally recognized youth organizations and clothing worn in observance of a student’s religion are not subject to this policy, as long as they do not materially or substantially disrupt the educational process.

The superintendent shall establish procedures providing guidance to students, parents/guardians and staff regarding appropriate student dress in school or while engaging in extracurricular activities. Such procedures shall ensure that any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang- related apparel, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student shall be asked, with notice to his or her parents/guardians, to make appropriate corrections and be subject to discipline if the corrections are not undertaken.

First Reading: May 7, 2002

Adopted by the Board: July 16, 2002