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Regulation 5132: Dress And Grooming

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The Governing Board believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. The Board expects students to wear clothing that is suitable for the school activities in which they participate. Students shall not wear clothing that presents a health or safety hazard or causes a substantial disruption to the educational program.

(cf. 4119.22/4219.22/4319.22 - Dress and Grooming)

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District and school rules pertaining to student attire shall be included in student handbooks, may be posted in school offices and classrooms, and may be periodically reviewed with all students as necessary.

Students shall not be prohibited from dressing in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression or with their religious or cultural observance.

(cf. 5145.3 - Nondiscrimination/Harassment)
(cf. 5145.7 - Sexual Harassment)

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In addition, the dress code shall not discriminate against students based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, including, but not limited to, braids, locks, and twists.  (Education Code 212.1)

The principal or designee is authorized to enforce this policy and shall inform any student who does not reasonably conform to the dress code. The dress code shall not be enforced in a manner that discriminates against a particular viewpoint or results in a disproportionate application of the dress code based on students' gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, household income, or body type or size.

(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
(cf. 0415 - Equity)
(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)

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School administrators, teachers, and other staff shall be notified of appropriate and equitable enforcement of the dress code.

(cf. 4131 - Staff Development)
(cf. 4231 - Staff Development)
(cf. 4331 - Staff Development)

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When practical, students shall not be directed to correct a dress code violation during instructional time or in front of other students.

Repeated violations or refusal to comply with the district's dress code may result in disciplinary action.

(cf. 5144 - Discipline)

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Gang-Related Apparel

The principal, staff, and parents/guardians at a school may establish a reasonable dress code that prohibits students from wearing gang-related apparel when there is evidence of a gang presence that disrupts or threatens to disrupt the school's activities. Such a proposed dress code shall be presented to the Board, which shall approve the plan upon determining that it is necessary to protect the health and safety of the school environment. The dress code policy may be included in the school's comprehensive safety plan.  (Education Code 35183)

(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)
(cf. 5136 - Gangs)

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When determining specific items of clothing that may be defined as gang apparel, the school shall ensure that the determination is free from bias based on race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, or other protected characteristics.

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Uniforms

The Board may approve a school-initiated dress code requiring students at the school to wear a school uniform whenever the Board determines that such a dress code will promote student achievement, a positive school climate, and/or student safety.

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The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures whereby parents/guardians may choose to have their children exempted from the school uniform policy. Students shall not be penalized academically, otherwise discriminated against, or denied attendance to school if their parents/guardians so decide.  (Education Code 35183)

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The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that resources are identified to assist economically disadvantaged students in obtaining uniforms.  (Education Code 35183)