RISD takes a look at dress code

by By Cristin Parker news@thecherokeean.com

In an effort to keep the district’s policies and procedures up-to-date and comprehensive, Rusk Independent School District officials recently began reviewing the current student dress code.

The matter was brought up in the regular December school board meeting. RISD Superintendent Grey Burton reported plans to consult with staff, students and parents to help update the student dress code.

“We’ve had some parents voice concerns on some dress code issues recently,” Burton said. “Some reported concerns indicate it feels like, at the high school in particular, we were enforcing codes that aren’t actually spelled out in the dress code, specifically about leggings or jeggings or skinny jeans.

Burton said some confusion comes from leggings and skinny jeans not being specifically listed as prohibited garments, though some students have been reprimanded for wearing them.

“Because staff members are the ones enforcing the dress code, we want to clarify exactly what we will accept and what we won’t accept,” Burton said. “We don’t want any gray areas.”

Any changes to the dress code will take effect at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year.

“We’re going to enforce what we have this year,” Burton said. “But we are looking at these measures to make sure things are clearer in the future.”

Review of the dress code started earlier this month as campus administration and staff, as well as parents and students, are getting a chance to add their input.

“I just want us to make sure our teachers and other staff members are held to the same standards,” Trustee Tracy Sessions said during the December board meeting. “I mean if we’re not going to allow students to wear jeans with holes in them, teachers shouldn’t be able to, either.”

Rusk High School’s Student Handbook states the dress code “is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety hazards.”

In the event a student’s dress or grooming is deemed objectionable, the RHS Handbook also allows the campus to provide alternate clothing, “in order that students not miss valuable class time by going home to change clothing or waiting for a parent to bring clothing.”

The high school’s dress guidelines prohibits (for complete list visit the district’s website ruskisd.net):

• Articles of clothing that promote gangs, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is prohibited. Gang related tattoos and insignias are forbidden.
• Immodest dress, which may include, but are not limited to: strapless dresses, see-through materials, tank tops, low cut dresses, blouses, or shirts, inappropriate sleeveless shirts or mini-skirts.
• Unusual or non-traditional jewelry includes nose wear such as rings or studs, or other body piercing jewelry of any kind.

• Any attire judged to be a possible disruption.
• Excessively long T-shirts must be tucked in or not worn.

• Pants must be worn at the waist. Belts must be worn as needed.
• Pants with holes in them are prohibited.

Burton said the district is not looking at requiring students to wear school uniforms.