While the Board of Education will not prohibit any attire solely on the basis of inappropriateness, the staff will strive to foster student dress and appearance which is appropriate for the business of school.
Certain categories of clothing have been held impermissible by the Commissioner of Education on the basis of factors other than appropriateness. These categories are those constituting:
- Hazard to the wearer and others (i.e., long-haired sweaters worn near open flames and heating elements, or loose parts of clothing worn near machinery).
- Possibility of damage to school property (i.e., metal cleats on shoes, or clothing containing rivets or other hardware which may scratch or gouge furniture).
- Indecency.
- Distraction so as to interfere with the learning and teaching process (i.e., jingling jewelry, clothing so bizarre or marked as to be distracting to other students).
Ref: 8 NYCRR §141.10
Bethel S.D. No. 403 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675, 106 S. Ct.
Tinker v. DesMoines Independent Community School Dist., 393 US 503, 89 S. Ct. 733
(1969)
Matter of Parsons, 32 EDR 672 (1993)
Matter of Jiminez, 9 EDR 172 (1970)
Matter of Cossey, 9 EDR 11 (1969)
Matter of Myers, 9 EDR 8 (1969)
Matter of Darymple, 5 EDR 113 (1966)
Note: Prior policy, Guiding Principles for Student Dress, 5132
Policy Adopted: December 12, 1966
Amended: August 11, 1969
Amended: May 13, 1974
Amended: June 21, 1999