Dress Code Philosophy:
Lincoln County School District’s student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.
Our Values:
- All students should be able to dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.
- All students and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal “distractions” without regulating individual students’ clothing/self-expression.
- Teachers should focus on teaching without the additional and often uncomfortable burden of dress code enforcement.
- Student dress code enforcement should not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance.
- Reasons for conflict and inconsistent discipline should be minimized whenever possible.
- Consistent expectations for the dress code and equitable enforcement of the dress code.
Dress Code Goals:
- Maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing/footwear is needed, such as chemistry/biology (eye or body protection), dance (bare feet, tights/leotards), PE (athletic attire/shoes), or CTE (close toed shoes, hair net, etc.).
- Allow students to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable and within the requirements of the dress code.
- Allow students to wear clothing that expresses their self-identified gender.
- Allow students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.
- Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories with offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech, and pornography.
- Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that denote, suggest, display or reference alcohol, drugs, or related paraphernalia or other illegal conduct or activities.
- Prevent students from wearing gang-affiliated clothing or paraphernalia.
- Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.
For more information, please refer to LCSD Policy: JFCA & JFCA-AR