Language changes in North Posey dress code

By Lois Mittino Gray

After some pushback during the “Patron Concerns” portion of a past North Posey School Board meeting, board members passed a revised dress code policy on second reading at their April 13, regular board meeting. At question was clarification of the use of the word “advocacy” in the official policy. It is a word used in many professional circles to advocate for special needs students and their issues and was addressed by a concerned parent of an autistic child and a staff teacher.

The revision clarified language and put the kibosh on political statements and maneuvering. In the first writing, the old one stated “attire should support pride in our schools, support a focused learning environment and avoid distractions or the appearance of advocacy and cause promotion in the workplace.”

The adopted revision now states “The School Corporation expects all staff to maintain a neat, clean, and appropriate appearance consistent with community standards. Attire and accessories should reflect pride in the District’s schools and support a focused learning environment. Attire and accessories shall not advocate/promote for or against a political cause.”

“The School Corporation seeks to maintain instructional neutrality and avoid the appearance of School Corporation endorsement of political causes. This policy establishes content-neutral limits on political cause promotion through staff attire and accessories when employees are acting in an official capacity or interacting with students.

“Political cause” promotion means advocacy intended to persuade others to support or oppose: (i) a political party, candidate, or campaign; (ii) a ballot measure; or (iii) a public policy or political movement.”

This revised policy applies to all certified and classified staff at school-sponsored events and during the instructional day. General expectations listed are that Staff should dress appropriately for their assignment and clothing must be clean, modest, and in good repair.

Footwear should be safe and suitable for supervising students and performing

assigned duties. Hats or hoods are not to be worn indoors except for approved medical or religious reasons or designated spirit days.

Examples of suggested acceptable attire in the policy are slacks, khakis, or similar casual-professional pants; jeans in good condition when approved by the building administrator or on designated “jeans day”; Polo shirts, sweaters, or other appropriate tops including those with any North Posey logo; and coordinated layers such as vests, jackets, or cardigans.

Deemed not appropriate are examples such as sweatpants, or leggings worn as pants unless approved for specific assignments; clothing with political cause slogans, large logos, or political cause messages; tops with spaghetti straps or low-cut designs; clothing that is excessively tight, sheer, or revealing; and no Flip-flops or excessively casual footwear unless approved for special events.

Jewelry should be simple, modest, and appropriate for a school setting. Visible body piercings should be small, unobtrusive, and approved by the principal or supervisor.

Accessories such as pins, bracelets, or necklaces must not contain or imply political cause promotion; display slogans or imagery that may distract from the educational

environment; or present a safety risk.

Prohibited messages and symbols are delineated as clothing, jewelry, or accessories that display or reference: Political parties, candidates, or campaigns; Political movements or public policy movements; Profane, obscene, or suggestive language or imagery; and Messages that could disrupt the educational environment.

The district will reasonably accommodate staff religious practices, including the wearing of religious attire or symbols, unless doing so would create undue hardship or disrupt the

educational environment, in accordance with federal and state law.

The revised policy concludes with this Guiding Principle. “Staff appearance should reflect respect for the educational environment, the community, and the professional role of school employees. Maintaining neutrality in political cause expression helps ensure schools remain welcoming and focused on student learning. Staff are expected to be mindful of the expectations outlined in Board Policy 3310 when making decisions regarding attire and personal presentation.”

The new revised policy was accepted by the Board unanimously 5-0 at the meeting.

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