Portland Schools dress code is popular around the country

(SEPTEMBER 15, 2018) What is OK for children to wear to school? What is not OK for children to wear to school? That is the question.

Portland Public Schools changed its dress code in 2016. A dress code is a set of rules about what to wear. Portland's dress code is now popular in other schools, too, such as San Jose, California.

Students say old dress codes are often racist or sexist. New dress codes are inclusive and body-positive. The new policy also allows different hairstyles.

This is what is OK:

• Students must wear shoes, a shirt, and pants or skirt.
• The shirt must have material in the front and on the sides.
• Clothing must cover underwear. However, it does not have to cover waistbands and bra straps.
• A person must not be able to see through the material covering private parts.
• Hats must allow the face to be visible and not interfere with the line of sight to any student or staff. Hoodies must allow the student face and ears to be visible to staff.
• Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled class activities. This includes, for example, physical education, science labs, and wood shop.
• Special courses may require special clothing, such as sports uniforms or safety equipment.

This is what is not OK:

• Clothing may not show alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances.
• Clothing may not show nudity or sexual acts.
• Clothing may not show hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or any other protected groups.
• Clothing must not threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff. This includes gang signs.

Students feel good about it. Teachers do, too, because they don't have to be clothing police. They don't have to decide if a skirt is too short, for example. Teachers say it is difficult to be fair. They want to focus on teaching. Now the student and their parents or guardians have primary responsibility for a student's clothing and hair style.