502.01 - Student Appearance

The board believes inappropriate student dress may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or may present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors.

Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors and clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to prohibited conduct are disallowed.  While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated and students may be required to make modifications.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
                             Bethal School District  v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
                             Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
                             Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
                             Torvik v. Decorah Community School, 453 F.2d 779 (8th Cir. 1972).
                             Turley v. Adel Community School District, 322 F.Supp. 402 (S.D. Iowa 1971).
                             Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F.Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).
                             Iowa Code § 279.8 (2003).

Cross Reference:  500      Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students
                              502      Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:  11/01/2004

Reviewed:  09/15/2008, 12/16/2013, 01/21/2019

Revised: 04/15/2024