KANAWHA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY
Student Dress Policy Series: J36
Issued: 11.17.2000
Revised: 05.15.2008; 11.21.2019
36.1 Policy and Purpose:
The appropriateness of a student's dress for the school environment should dictate the student’s appearance on each given day. No attempt will be made to dictate fashion styles as long as they are in keeping with district policies. It should be noted, however, that it is the responsibility of the student and parent that the student adhere to the Dress Code.
All students are expected to adhere to common practices of personal hygiene and dress that contribute to the academic atmosphere, not detract from it.
Clarification regarding apparel should be obtained prior to wearing it to school; this can be obtained from the School Administration. School Administration shall have the right to consider any current fashion to determine its acceptability for school wear. School Administration will also allow for reasonable accommodations in dress and appearance for religious reasons or medical need, which will be provided upon request.
Students in violation of this policy may be asked to change, sent home, and/or otherwise be subjected to disciplinary actions as determined by the School's Administration. School Personnel shall follow building procedure for discipline referrals regarding dress code violations.
36.2 General Prohibitions:
a. Clothing which may present a safety hazard must not be worn. This includes any clothing, jewelry, accessories, etc., that may be used as weapons or present a risk of injury to the student or school personnel. Additionally, Students may be prohibited from wearing or required to change out of shoes that present a safety concern during recess, gym class, or during the regular school day and School Administration determines.
b. Any clothing, accessories, symbols, jewelry, or other paraphernalia, which depicts or suggests association with a gang shall not be brought to school, worn at school, or in any way be present at any school related event.
c. Any clothing, jewelry or accessories with decorations, patches, lettering, advertisements, etc., that may be considered obscene or offensive are not to be worn to school. This includes any clothing, jewelry, accessories, etc., which have drug emblems; contain obscenities; tobacco or alcoholic beverage references; which may be considered derogatory towards a race, culture or religion; which may be considered any form of harassment.
d. Transparent and/or see through material is considered unacceptable. Shirts or blouses must cover the entire midsection at all times, even in movement.
e. No undergarments or body parts of a personal or private nature may be exposed plainly or by way of tears, rips, holes, etc. in clothing. These personal and private body parts include male and female chests, buttocks, and genitalia, etc.
f. Any type of head covering is unacceptable unless for religious purposes or otherwise approved by School Administration.