P1474 Standardized Dress Codes

P1474 STANDARDIZED DRESS CODES 

A school may adopt a dress code that prescribes specific and relatively narrow guidelines regarding colors, styles, and types of clothing items students are permitted to wear (“Standardized Dress Code”).  While all schools in Wichita Public Schools are required to comply with the minimum dress code guidelines described in P147­4-A, concerning non-standard dress codes, a Standardized Dress Code limits allowed attire to a much greater degree (i.e., a “school uniform”).  This policy describes minimum requirements for Standardized Dress Codes in Wichita Public Schools.  This policy and any Standardized Dress Code adopted pursuant to this policy are 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 P1464, concerning the Student Code of Conduct.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLEMENTAL PROCEDURES

1.     Exceptions to Standardized Dress Codes

a.     The building principal may permit reasonable exceptions to a Standardized Dress Code that do not result in a burden to the school, such as a disruption of the learning environment.  

b.     Exceptions shall be permitted in order to accommodate disabilities, medical conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs.  Any request for an exception must be supported by documentation. Documentation submitted in support of a request for an exception to a Standardized Dress Code must (i) be authentic, (ii) identify the student, (iii) identify the exception(s) sought, and (iv) identify the condition, tenet of religious belief, or other circumstance that makes the exception necessary.  In order to ensure authenticity, principals may request that documentation be sent directly to the school by the provider of the documentation.

c.     Exceptions may also be permitted temporarily for school-sponsored events or activities, or under other appropriate circumstances.  

2.     Guidelines for Standardized Dress:

a.     A Standardized Dress Code employed by a school will incorporate some or all of the following requirements.

b.     Color and Design Requirements

i.         At least two solid colors for both bottoms and tops.

ii.         Logos, pictures, or writing on clothing are not permitted.

c.     Optional Denim and T-shirts

i.         Schools have the option to disallow denim or T-shirts as part of the Standardized Dress Code.

d.    Flexibility in Style

i.         Standardized Dress Codes should permit students reasonable flexibility in style, cut, and fabric of tops and bottoms.

e.     Belts

i.         Belts must be worn on bottoms with belt loops.

f.      Proper Sizing

i.         Clothing must be sized correctly to fit the student appropriately.

g.     School Identity

i.         Tops with the school's name or logo may be worn if authorized by the school.

h.    Free Dress Days

i.         Standardized Dress Codes may include provisions for designated free dress days, which will be designated by the building principal.  

ii.         Student dress on free dress days will remain subject to the provisions of P1474-A, concerning non-standard dress codes.

i.      Head Coverings and Related Items

i.         Hats may be prohibited.

 ii.         Religious headgear will be allowed under the circumstances provided for above.  

3.     Safety and Discipline

a.     As described more fully in P1474-A, the following clothing and accessories shall be prohibited: articles disruptive to the educational environment; articles depicting weapons, drugs, alcohol, or violence; and articles that have been determined by the Department of Safety Services to be associated with street gangs or criminal activity.

4.     Other Required Components

a.     A Standardized Dress Code shall include a prefatory statement of the purpose or rationale behind the regulation, such as:

 i.         To promote a positive school climate and learning environment that enhances academic achievement.

ii.         To value students for their character, by providing an equal socio-economic footing for all and eliminating "label competition."

iii.         To foster a school’s sense of "community" by enhancing self-respect, school pride and students’ self-esteem.

iv.         To lessen disruptions in the classroom.

v.         To increase campus safety and security by, among other things, making the presence of intruders immediately apparent.

vi.         To minimize costs to families and students.

b.    Non-discrimination

i.         The Standardized Dress Code shall not include requirements that discriminate against a student on the basis of race, national origin, sex, religion or disability, or which otherwise violate the policies cited above. 

ii.         The Standardized Dress Code shall advise families and students of their ability to request an exception, as described above, and the requirements for doing so.

c.     Consistent Standards

 i.         The Standardized Dress Code shall provide consistent standards for staff to apply in enforcing the dress code regulations and shall be enforced uniformly.

d.    Code of Conduct

i.         The Standardized Dress Code shall explain that violations of the regulation are subject to P1474 - Code of Conduct.  Staff shall refer to the Code of Conduct for guidance in responding to violations of the Standardized Dress Code, including non-compliance with staff direction and repeated violations.

e.     Offer of Compliant Clothing: 

i.         Staff shall be required to offer students compliant clothing if a student is not wearing clothes that satisfy the Dress Code(s).

ii.         Each school with a Standardized Dress Code shall maintain compliant articles of clothing to offer students who come to school wearing non-compliant dress.

 

Administrative Responsibility: Elementary and Secondary Education Offices 

New Policy Date: July 2025 

Previous Policy 1473 

 

Download P1474