If school uniforms are adopted by the district, students are encouraged to wear school uniforms to school on all school attendance days, in order to maintain and promote orderly school functions, student safety, and a positive learning environment. The Building Principal is authorized to designate days on which this uniform policy is relaxed.
The Superintendent or designee shall designate a school-wide uniform after receiving input from school staff members, parents, and interested community members. Students may:
1. Display religious messages on items of clothing to the same extent they are permitted to display other messages;
2. Wear attire that is part of the student’s religious practice;
3. Wear or display expressive items, such as a button, as long as such items do not contribute to disruption by substantially interfering with discipline or with the rights of others; and
4. Wear the uniform of a nationally recognized youth organization such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts on regular meeting days.
No student shall be denied attendance at school, penalized, or otherwise subject to compliance measures for failing to wear a uniform because of:
1. Personal choice;
2. Insufficient time in which to comply with this policy;
3. Financial hardship;
4. Hairstyles, including hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists; or
5. Religious objection by the student’s parent/guardian to the student’s compliance with this policy or the applicable uniform, if they have provided the Superintendent with a signed statement detailing their objection.
Any student eligible for reduced or free lunches, or for a waiver of student fees, is eligible for financial assistance toward the purchase of school uniforms. The Superintendent or designee shall develop a process for informing parents/guardians of the availability of financial assistance and a method to process financial requests.
No student shall be suspended or expelled from school, or receive a lowered academic grade, because of failing to comply with this policy.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop incentives and positive reinforcement measures to encourage full compliance.
LEGAL REF: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25, and 5/10-22.25b.
CROSS REF: 4:140 (Waiver of Student Fees), 7:160 (Student Appearance), 7:190 (Student Behavior)
Updated: January 2022