DRESS AND GROOMING 

The School Board believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment.  The Board expects students to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to wear clothes that are suitable for the school activities in which they participate.  Students have the right to make individual choices from a wide range of clothing and grooming styles, but they must not present a health or safety hazard or a distraction which would interfere with the educational process.

Dress:  Appropriate dress is that which does not constitute a disruption in the educational process through intimidation, prohibited solicitation as set forth below, or harassment. The attire shall also not interfere with the health and safety of the student or other students. Clothing that promotes any form of tobacco, alcohol or other drug use or abuse shall not be worn within the school environment.  Clothing that states obscenity or obscenities, or language that is offensive by reasonable community standards, shall be considered inappropriate. Remarks that are sexual in nature or racist are included in this category. If it becomes apparent that clothing displays any form of gang-related message, it shall be considered as inappropriate in the educational setting and will not be allowed. 

(cf. 4119.22 - Dress and Grooming (staff)
(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)

Students and parents/guardians shall be informed about the school dress code at the beginning of the year and when revised.  A student who violates the dress code shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

(cf. AR 5131 – Code of Conduct)
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)

Legal Reference:

Breese v. Smith, 501 P.2d 159 (Alaska 1979)

KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Adoption Date:  10/13/99

• BP 5132