Madison Public Schools student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that discourages stereotypes. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that promotes self-confidence and preserves dignity for all students. The dress code focuses on continuing to eliminate the marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size by empowering students to dress in attire that allows them to express their individuality. The district encourages parents to assist their children in complying with the dress code as outlined below.

OUR PRINCIPLES

● All students should be able to dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.

● Religious Freedom: Students whose religious beliefs require wearing attire that does not conform to the dress code and whose membership or affiliation with that denomination or sect can be verified will be permitted to dress in a manner that conforms to their religions beliefs rather than the dress code. This provision supersedes any and all other provisions pertaining to teachers’ discretion in asking students to remove headwear due to instructional practices.

● Student dress code enforcement should not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance.

● School staff should be trained and able to use student/body-positive language to explain the code and to address code violations.

● Reasons for conflict and inconsistent and/or inequitable discipline should be minimized whenever possible.

OUR GOALS

● Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression,sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

● Allow students to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable.

● Allow students to wear clothing that expresses their self-identified gender.

● Allow students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.

FOOTWEAR

● Footwear shall be worn at all times.

● Unsafe footwear including but not limited to bare feet, athletic shoes such as cleats, and/or any other type of shoe deemed to be unsafe shall be prohibited during the school day.

● Cleats shall be permitted when being worn for their intended purpose during athletics.

EYEWEAR

● Non-prescription sunglasses, glazed or tinted glasses shall not be permitted, except when prescribed by the student’s doctor and the appropriate notification has been made to the school administration.

HEADWEAR

● Hoods and any hat that cover students’ ears are not permitted to be worn during the school day.

● Baseball caps or other headwear not covering students’ ears are permissible during the school day provided they don’t create a safety concern.

● The administration authorizes teachers to ask students to remove their headwear within their classrooms if it presents a safety concern for the lesson.

LOGOS & DESIGNS

● Clothing indicating gang membership shall not be permitted to be worn in school and/or at school sponsored events.

● Clothing, patches, or decorations that contain profane, obscene, offensive, or inappropriate language; references to alcohol, sex, or drugs; or demeaning references to specific gender, ethnic, political, racial, or religious group shall not be permitted to be worn in school and/or at school sponsored events.

CLOTHING

● Undergarments worn without an outer shirt shall not be permitted.

● Clothing must cover the buttocks, genitals, nipples and torso (including the abdomen).

● Excessively loose clothing, low hanging clothing (including but not limited to jeans or pants) that pose a safety hazard to students shall not be permitted.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

● Health Concern or Physical Disability: When a student whose physical functioning or overall health preclude the student from conforming to the dress code as outlined, the student will be permitted to dress in a manner which meets the physical/health need. Documentation of the student’s needs must be reviewed.

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS

The building principal/vice principal has the final decision-making authority and/or discretion when determining violations of the Dress Code. The building principal may alter/modify the dress code when appropriate to address special occasions, themes, and/or special circumstances. Examples: Field trips, spirit days, weather-related conditions.

When a teacher/school staff member has a concern regarding a student’s attire, they will email the building principal or vice-principal. The building principal/vice principal will evaluate the concern and if necessary take appropriate action, while ensuring the dignity and confidentiality of the student. In the instance where the concerns pertain to a male student, a male building principal/vice principal or designee will address the student. In the instance where the concerns pertain to a female student, a female building principal/vice principal or designee will address the student. Students found to be in violation of the dress code will face the following actions:

● 1st Level: Principal/Vice Principal or designee will meet with the student to review the dress code. Notification to Parent/Guardian.

● 2nd Level: If a student’s attire does not cover the specific areas outlined in the dress code, the student will be asked to cover those areas as needed. If a student’s attire contains offensive or profane content, a change of clothes will be required or (when available) school-issued clothes will be provided. Notification to Parent/Guardian.

● 3rd Level: Change of clothes required or (when available) school-issued clothes provided. Notification of Parent/Guardian. Student assigned a detention.

*Depending on the severity of the dress code violation, the building principal/vice principal retain the right to assign the appropriate level of response