FILE:  JCDB

 

STUDENT DRESS CODE

 

 

It is the policy of the DeSoto Parish School Board that no attire shall be considered proper for school wear that disrupts the classroom and/or the schools positive learning environment.  Each student shall use good judgment in his/her total appearance so that the attention of others is not distracted from the educational process.

 

The following rules shall govern the dress of all students. In questions regarding student dress and grooming, the administration of each school shall make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress according to the guidelines provided.

 

DRESS AND PERSONAL GROOMING

 

Student dress and grooming are not to adversely affect the students' participation in classes, school programs, other school-related activities or detract from the learning environment of the school.  Extremes in style and fit in student dress and extremes in style of grooming will not be permitted.  Administrators are authorized to use their discretion in determining extremes in styles of dress and grooming and what is appropriate and suitable for school wear.  Policies regarding dress and grooming stress the importance of reducing distractions that inhibit learning and are addressed as an attempt to enhance the learning environment.

 

The School Board shall not exclude a student on account of a natural, protective or cultural hairstyle.  Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle shall include, but is not limited to, afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.

 

NOTIFICATION

 

The School Board shall notify the parent or guardian of each student of the dress code specifications and their effective date.  The dress code shall be distributed in written form or posted on the school’s website annually.

 

If the School Board modifies the existing uniform policy, it shall notify, in writing, the parent or guardian of each student of the policy adoption or uniform policy modification at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the new or revised policy.  Each school shall display any uniform selected for a reasonable period prior to the proposed effective date for wearing of the uniform.

 

However, nothing shall prohibit the School Board from requiring a new or revised dress code or uniform policy without the required notice in the event of an emergency.  For the purposes of this policy, emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.

 

RULES FOR ALL STUDENTS GRADES PRE-K - 12

 

  1. Hairstyles shall be neat, clean, and not cause a distraction to the educational process.  Hair should be combed and shall not impair vision.

  2. No hats, caps, headgear or sunglasses, of any type may be worn inside of school buildings at anytime.

  3. No "see-through" material worn in any type clothing (example: mesh, net, parachute material).

  4. Clothing should be free from holes, cuts, and tears that reveal the skin.  (Patches are permissible as long as they are not applied in a distasteful area).

  5. All clothing must be hemmed.

  6. Clothing may exhibit the American flag as long as it is done in good taste and not in a derogatory manner.

  7. No clothing or jewelry shall be worn that advertises alcoholic beverages, tobacco, illegal drugs, weapons, political or racial overtones, or that expresses obscene messages, profanity, suggestive, or any other unfit message during the school day or at any school sponsored/related event.

  8. No vulgar messages or pictures shaved onto a student's head or displayed on any part of the body or clothing shall be allowed at school.

  9. The wearing of gang signs, insignia, and distinctive modes of dress or hair styles is a violation of the dress code for students.  Gang identification shall be prohibited on any and all school campuses.

  10. No tight leggings or other tight-fitting pants (i.e. spandex, tights, etc.) may be worn unless worn under other clothing of the appropriate length (approved length see Pre-K -4 and 5-12 guidelines).

  11. Shoes must be worn.  Sandals, boots, tennis shoes, oxfords, loafers are permitted.  No flip-flops, thongs, houseshoes, or shower shoes may be worn.

  12. Pants are not to be worn sagging below the waist.

  13. Straps and suspenders are to be kept up and fastened.  Belts are to be buckled, clothes buttoned and fastened.

 

GRADES PRE-K - 4

 

In addition to the above rules for all students, the following additional information shall also apply to students in grades Pre-K - 4:

 

Shorts, shortalls, dresses, skirts, culottes, split skirts, and skorts are permissible when they are hemmed and loosely fitted.  Such clothing on students in grades three and four shall not exceed six (6) inches above the knee when measured from the floor with the student in a kneeling position.

 

Girls:

 

Certain garments, such as appropriate dresses, long pants, jeans, skirts and blouses, commercially decorated tee shirts, split skirts, culottes, scooter skirts, pant dresses, skorts, and loose-fitting shorts may be worn.  No gym shorts, short shorts, or tight-fitting shorts shall be allowed.  Halters and tank tops are not acceptable.  Acceptable clothing does not allow for inappropriate exposure of a child's body.

 

Boys:

 

Jeans, pants, shirts, commercially decorated T-shirts and loosely fitting shorts may be worn.  No gym shorts, short shorts, baggy style pants, tank tops or tight shorts shall be allowed.

 

GRADES 5 - 12

 

In addition to the above rules for all students, the following additional information shall also apply to students in grades 5-12:

 

Boys and Girls:

 

All shirts and dresses must have a sleeve of some type.  (Sleeveless dresses or tank tops must be worn with a sleeved T-shirt underneath.)

 

All blouses/shirts must be worn tucked inside the pants or skirt.  Exceptions:  Suits made for tops to be worn outside of either the pants or skirt will be allowed; special cases approved by the principal (i.e. pregnant females, obesity).

 

Shirts/blouses must be long enough not to show midriff skin with the arms raised.

 

Slacks, skirts, jeans, pants with loops must be worn with a belt (loops are not to be cut).

 

Jeans, pants, slacks, overalls, shortalls, walking shorts, loose-fitting jogging suits and sweat suits may be worn.  Girls may also wear dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, culottes, split skirts, gauchos, and skorts.  All skirts and walking shorts can be no more than (4) inches above the knee when measured from the floor with the student in a kneeling position.

 

Boys' sideburns shall be neatly trimmed and may not extend below the bottom of the ear.  Neatly trimmed mustaches are allowed.  Beards and chin hair of any type shall not be permitted.

 

The dress code shall be followed during the school day and at all school sponsored events.

 

The DeSoto Parish School Board recognizes that a student uniform policy may provide a more secure environment, promote positive self-esteem, encourage an atmosphere for greater discipline, and increase learning opportunities for students by removing many of the distractions associated with various types of clothing.  The school level administration will make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress according to the guidelines provided and approved by the DeSoto Parish School Board.  Any substantial complaint will be addressed by the school level administration and reviewed by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

 

BODY ARMOR

 

It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearm-free zone, with limited exceptions as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9, which includes permitting a student to wear, carry, or possess a backpack on school property or a school bus that has bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.

 

School-sponsored functions shall include, but not be limited to, athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities.  A firearm-free zone means any area inclusive of any school campus and within 1,000 feet of any such school campus, and within a school bus, wherein the possession of firearms is prohibited, except as specifically set forth in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:95.2(C) and 14:95.6(B).

 

Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.

 

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS

 

Students who violate the dress code shall be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

 

A student enrolled in grades prekindergarten through five shall not be suspended or expelled from school or suspended from riding on any school bus for a uniform violation that is not tied to willful disregard of school policies.

 

Approved:  August, 2004 Revised:  November 5, 2015
Revised:  March 3, 2009 Revised:  July, 2018
Revised:  December 9, 2010 Revised:  October 13, 2022

 

 

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:95.9, 17:81, 17:111, 17:416, 17:416.7

Scott v. Board of Education, 304 N.Y.S.S. 2d 601 (1969)

Karr v. Schmidt; 460 F. 2d 609 (5th Cir. 1972)

Board minutes, 10-5-77, 8-7-86, 5-2-91, 7-2-91, 5-6-93, 5-3-01, 3-3-09, 12-9-10, 11-5-15, 10-13-22

 

DeSoto Parish School Board