The board believes inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors.
Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good learning environment. The standards will be those generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a school setting.
The board expects students to be clean and well-groomed and wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place and occasion. 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. When, in the judgment of a principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
NOTE: This policy reflects the current status of the law regarding student appearance. For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, May 31, 1994.
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
Cross Reference:
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
Approved June 20, 2022 Reviewed Revised
