NEPN/NSBA Code:  JICA

STUDENT DRESS 

The School Committee recognizes that responsibility for the dress and appearance of students rests with individual students and their parent(s)/guardian(s). The School Committee will not interfere with this right  unless the personal choices of students create a disruptive influence on the school program or affect  the health or safety of others. 

In keeping with the goals of the school unit to provide a safe, healthy and non-discriminatory  environment for educating students for maximum academic and social development, the following  restrictions on dress shall be enforced consistently across classrooms and schools. 

a.  Articles of clothing that promote or reference illegal behavior (e.g. the use of tobacco,  alcohol, or other drugs, weapons, etc.), or articles of clothing with displays that are  sexual, vulgar, lewd or indecent or include insulting words (e.g., racial/ethnic slurs) may  not be worn on school grounds or at school functions. 

b.  Clothing that is destructive of school property are not permitted on school grounds or at  school functions. Cleats or other items may be permitted when use is required by  participation in a curricular, co-curricular or extra-curricular activity. 

If any of these principles are violated, the individual will be asked not to wear the article(s) to school again. If the article is worn a second time after the initial request, the student will be asked to  alter their outfit accordingly. If needed, the school will provide clothing for the student to change. 

School administrators or teachers may require special clothing for health and safety reasons for  students participating in physical education, certain extracurricular activities, work with or around  machines or other activities. However, no particular brand may be required. 

Cross Reference: JICIA Weapons, Violence, and School Safety 

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Revised: March 24, 2003 

Reviewed: September 24, 2012 

Revised: December 14, 2015 

Revised: December 13, 2021