Policy No. 3224

Students

 

STUDENT DRESS

Students are reminded that their appearance significantly affects the way others respond to them.  Matters of dress remain the primary concern of students in consultation with their parents.  Student dress shall not be regulated except when there is a reasonable expectation that:

1. A health or safety hazard shall be presented by the student's dress or appearance;
2. Damage to school property shall result from the student's dress; or
3. The student's dress or appearance shall create a material and substantial disruption of the educational process at the school, including clothing which displays messages which are judged by the building principal to be libelous, obscene, profane, or demeaning to any race, religion, sex, or ethnic group, sexual orientation, or disability, or which advocate the violation of the law.

The principal, in cooperation with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity if the principal reasonably believes that the student's dress or grooming:

1. Creates a hazard to the student's safety or to the safety of others.
2. Shall prevent, interfere with, or adversely affect the purpose, direction, or effort required for the activity to achieve its goals.

If the student's dress or grooming is objectionable under these provisions, the principal shall request the student to make appropriate corrections.  If the student refuses, the principal shall notify the parent and request that person to make the necessary correction.  If both the student and parent refuse, the principal shall take appropriate corrective action.  Students may be suspended, if circumstances so warrant, and students who violate provisions of the dress code relating to extracurricular activities may be removed or excluded from the extracurricular activity for such period as the principal may determine.  All students shall be accorded due process safeguards before any corrective action may be taken. 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 directed, with notice to his or her parents, to make appropriate corrections and be subject to discipline if the corrections are not undertaken.

Legal References:

RCW   28A.320.140	Schools with Special standards
WAC   392-400-215	Student Rights
392-400-225	School district rules defining misconduct

Cross References: Board Policy 3220 - Freedom of Expression

 

Initially Adopted: October 17, 1985

Adopted: February 8, 2010