P1474-A Non-Standard Dress Codes

P1474-A NON-STANDARD DRESS CODES 

This policy describes minimum dress code guidelines applicable to all schools in Wichita Public Schools (the “Non-standard Dress Code” or “USD 259 Student Dress Code Procedure”), and supplements any standardized dress code adopted by a school pursuant to P1474 – Standardized Dress Codes.  This policy is subject to and must be administered consistent with the requirements of the District’s policies concerning non-discrimination, P0400 – Non-Discrimination Statement, P0900 Integration and Diversity, and P0910 Civil Rights Resolution. For dress code-related discipline, see P1474, concerning the Student Code of Conduct.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLEMENTAL PROCEDURES

1.     Purpose 

a.     The purpose of the USD 259 Student Dress Code Procedure is to maintain a positive school climate, uphold standards of respect and safety, and support effective teaching and learning.

2.     Responsibilities and Rationale

a.     School Responsibilities:

i.     Foster academic achievement by minimizing disruptions and promoting a serious attitude towards learning.

ii.     Maintain a safe and orderly learning environment by setting clear standards for attire.

iii.     Promote community standards and positive behaviors among students, staff, and families.

iv.     Ensure fairness and equality for all students, without discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, disability or sex.

b.     Student Responsibilities:

i.     Select attire and personal appearance that respects the educational setting and peers.

ii.     Manage personal grooming and attire to align with the principles of this dress code. 

iii.     Maintain personal hygiene in a way that is safe, healthy, respectful, and supports the educational environment.

c.     Staff Responsibilities:

i.     Identify violations of this policy visually and uniformly, without physical measurement or contact.

ii.     Approach students respectfully regarding dress code compliance.

iii.     Ensure consistent and fair application of the dress code policy.

iv.     Remain aware of the District’s guidance on attire associated with gang affiliation, if any, to enforce this policy effectively. 

d.     Administrative Responsibilities:

i.     Conduct diligent reviews of reported dress code violations.

ii.     Guide students in making appropriate attire choices.

iii.     Implement fair consequences for dress code infractions, pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct.

iv.     Ensure consistent application of the dress code across all activities.

v.     Maintain awareness of attire linked to potential safety concerns.

vi.     Establish clear guidelines for uniforms in sports and extracurricular activities. 

e.     Exceptions:

i.     Principals may grant dress code exceptions as described in P1474 – Standardized Dress Codes.

3.     Dress Code Criteria

a.     Appearance, Language on Clothing, Symbols, Tattoos, and Messages:

i.     Any items worn (including socks, belts, jewelry, and hats) in schools must not show, reference, cause, or infer:

1.     Profanity, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or weapons.

2.     Violence, abuse, or suggestive and/or sexual messages.

3.     Language, logos, or symbols on attire that promote hatred.

4.     A disruption of the school learning environment.

5.     Relationship or affiliation with gangs.

b.     Head Coverings and Related Items:

i.     Head coverings and related items: 

1.     Must not conceal identity such as face masks, ski masks, balaclavas, or hoods/stocking caps which cover the ear.

2.     Exceptions shall be recognized in order to accommodate disabilities, medical conditions, or sincerely-held religious beliefs, as provided more fully in P1474, regarding standard dress codes.

3.     This restriction does not include items that are designed for hair maintenance.

ii.     Hats

1.     For elementary students, hats will be restricted to prevent disruptions , maintain focus in the classroom, and avoid hindering the development of essential classroom behavior and routines.

2.     For secondary students, hats will be allowed to support personal expression and comfort, reflecting their greater maturity. However, hats must not create disruptions  or safety risks.

a.     Visibility: The hat must not obscure the student's face, ensuring clear identification by staff and security.

b.     Safety: The hat must not create hazards, such by as obstructing visibility.

c.     Non-Disruptive: The hat should not disrupt classroom activities.

c.     Tops:  

i.     All tops must:

1.     Cover the majority of the back and shoulders.

2.     Cover the midriff and back when sitting or standing.

3.     Be of sufficient thickness to prevent visibility of undergarments.

4.     Provide coverage of personal areas.

5.     Completely cover undergarments.

d.     Bottoms:

i.     All bottoms must:

1.     Cover undergarments at all times.

2.     Be of a safe and appropriate length (cannot drag on the floor or expose the upper thigh).

3.     Be worn no lower than the natural waistline.

4.     Provide coverage for personal areas.

e.     Outerwear:

i.     Students should not wear articles of attire that are disruptive to classroom learning environments or present safety concerns.

f.      Footwear:

i.     Footwear worn in schools must:

1.     Be worn at all times.

2.     Fit securely enough to the foot for safe movement.

3.     Have a hard or rubber sole.

4.     Not have such a high heel as to cause concern for safe movement throughout the school.

g.     Jewelry, Piercings, Colognes, Perfumes, and Accessories:

i.     Jewelry, piercings, colognes, perfumes, and accessories worn in schools must:

1.     Not have an overwhelming fragrance.

2.     Have no parts that may serve as a weapon.

h.     Additional Statements:

i.     Non-discrimination: The standardized dress regulations shall not include any requirements or be enforced in a manner that discriminates against a student on the basis of race, national origin, religion, disability or sex, or which otherwise violates the policies cited above.

ii.     Consistent Standards: This policy shall be applied and enforced consistently and uniformly.

iii.     Code of Conduct: Staff shall refer to the Code of Conduct for guidance in responding to violations of this policy, including non-compliance with staff direction and repeated violations.

iv.     Offer of Compliant Clothing: Staff shall be required to offer students compliant clothing if a student is not wearing clothes that satisfy the dress code.  Each school shall maintain a store of compliant items of clothing to offer to students who come to school wearing non-compliant dress.

Administrative Responsibility: Student Support Services

Latest Revision Date: July 2025

Download 1474-A