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ECS StateNotes |
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Uniforms/Dress Codes |
School Uniforms and Dress Codes: State Policies
ECS Information Clearinghouse
2001
None of the following
states legislatively mandates the use of school uniforms, although 21 states
and the District of Columbia do authorize districts or schools to require them.
States that have only “dress code” policies have not gone so far as to
specifically address uniforms.
|
State |
Summary |
Code citation |
|
Arizona (uniforms) |
District boards may
"require students to wear uniforms." |
Ariz.
Rev. Stat. §15-342 |
|
Arkansas (dress codes) |
District board of directors
may form a parent/student advisory committee to determine whether a
districtwide student dress code should be enacted. After such a committee
decides that a dress code policy should be adopted, the board may place the
issue on the ballot of "any school election." However,
"Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the board of
directors of a local school district to adopt a uniform dress code or to hold
an election on the issue." |
Ark
Code Ann. §6-18-102 |
|
California (dress codes, uniforms) |
School districts may establish
"a reasonable dress code policy that requires pupils to wear a
schoolwide uniform or prohibits pupils from wearing 'gang-related apparel.’”
This policy may be adopted by individual schools as part of their school
safety plan. Parents must be informed
six months before children shall be required to wear uniforms to school.
Includes requirement of parental opt-out policy, as well as provision that no
pupil shall undergo sanctions for not participating in the school uniform
policy. Students who participate in a
"nationally recognized youth organization" with its own uniforms
must be allowed to wear their groups' uniforms on "days that the
organization has a scheduled meeting." |
Cal. Educ. Code §35183 Cal. Educ. Code §35294.2 |
|
Colorado (dress codes, uniforms) |
Boards may establish a dress
code policy requiring students to wear school uniforms or may establish
minimum standards of dress. |
Colo.
Rev. Stat. § 22-32-109 |
|
Connecticut (uniforms) |
"A local or regional
board of education may specify a school uniform for students in schools under
its jurisdiction." |
Conn.
Gen. Stat. §10-221f |
|
Delaware (dress codes, uniforms) |
District school boards are
authorized to create and enforce "a dress code program, which may
include school uniforms, for students within the district." Board policy
must ensure that uniforms are offered at "an affordable price, and shall
include provision to assist economically disadvantaged students in obtaining
school uniforms." |
14 Del. Code Ann. §4120 |
|
District of Columbia (dress codes, uniforms) |
In the superintendent's
long-term reform plan, s/he must describe how s/he will develop and implement
"a uniform dress code for the District of Columbia public schools, that
(i) shall include a prohibition of gang membership symbols; (ii) shall take
into account the relative costs of any such code for each student; and (iii)
may include a requirement that students wear uniforms." |
D.C. Stat. §31-2853.1. |
|
Florida (dress codes, uniforms) |
School boards may require
uniforms to be worn by the student body, or impose other dress-related
requirements, if the boards find those requirements are necessary for the
safety and welfare of the student body or school personnel. |
Fla. Stat. Ann. §230.23005 |
|
Illinois (dress codes, uniforms) |
School boards may establish
uniform policies for all or some schools under their jurisdiction, when
"necessary to maintain the orderly process of a school function or
prevent endangerment of student health or safety." Grace period allowed
for, during which students who have not purchased uniforms or dress-code
compliant clothes will not be disciplined. Policy also must allow for
procedure by which board will help or accommodate for "student from an
indigent family in complying with an applicable school uniform or dress code
policy." Parental opt-out on religious grounds allowed for. |
Ill. Comp. Stat. §5/10-22.25b. |
|
Indiana (dress codes) |
"(a) The governing body
of a school corporation must ...(1) Establish written discipline rules, which
may include appropriate dress codes, for the school corporation." |
Ind. Code. §20-8.1-5.1-7 |
|
Iowa (dress codes) |
District board of directors
may establish dress code policy (either districtwide or for individual
schools in the district) that bans wearing of "gang-related or other
specific apparel if the board determines that the policy is necessary for the
health, safety or positive educational environment for students and staff in
the school environment or for the appropriate discipline and operation of the
school.” |
Iowa Code Ann. §279.58 |
|
Kansas (dress codes) |
In the section of law that
enumerates grounds on which a board may suspend or expel a student or may
authorize certificated employee or committee of such to suspend or expel a
student, under Case Annotations, notes that school boards are
"authorized to provide rules and regulations" in terms of a school
dress code. |
Kan. Rev. Stat. Ann. §72-8901 |
|
Louisiana (dress codes, uniforms) |
Local school boards may
establish a dress code, including a school uniform policy, "which allows
each parent or guardian the option of using such uniforms. Each school may select a uniform for its
students and display such uniform prior to the beginning of each school year.
The city or parish school board may notify, in writing, the parent or
guardian of each school student of the dress code specifications and its
effective date. Nothing herein shall require the expenditure of school or
school board funds." |
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:416.7 |
|
Maryland (uniforms) |
Authorizes school board in
Prince George's County to "implement the use of school uniforms by all
students in the public schools in the county." |
Md. Code Ann. §3-1007 |
|
Massachusetts (prohibits dress codes except for health, safety, cleanliness) |
"School officials shall
not abridge the rights of students as to personal dress and appearance except
if such officials determine that such personal dress and appearance violate
reasonable standards of health, safety and cleanliness." The board may enact guidelines
to implement the student rights’ policies addressed in sections 82-84, after
public school students have been notified and officials' consideration of
students' views at a public hearing. "Said rules and regulations shall
provide that, notwithstanding the existence of the rights and
responsibilities described in the three preceding sections, school committees
or school officials may take necessary action in cases of emergency. Students
may petition for a hearing, to be held as soon as practicable after such
emergency, as to whether such rules and regulations shall be revoked or
modified." |
Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 71 §83 §71§ 85 |
|
Minnesota (uniforms) |
"Subd.4b. School
uniforms. [...] [A] school board may
require students to furnish or purchase clothing that constitutes a school
uniform if the board has adopted a uniform requirement or program for the
student's school. In adopting a uniform requirement, the board shall promote
student, staff, parent and community involvement in the program and account
for the financial ability of students to purchase uniforms. [...] Subd. 4. A
school board may waive any such deposit or fee if any pupil or the pupil's
parent or guardian is unable to pay it." |
Minn. Stat. Ann. §123B.36 |
|
Missouri (dress codes, uniforms) |
"A public school district
in any city not within a county shall determine whether a dress code policy
requiring students to wear a school uniform is appropriate at any school or
schools within such district, and if it is so determined, shall adopt such a
policy. The school district may determine the style and color of the school
uniform." |
Mo. Rev. Stat. §167.029 |
|
Nevada (dress codes, uniforms) |
Board may, "in
consultation with the schools within the district, parents and legal
guardians of pupils who are enrolled in the district, and associations and
organizations representing licensed educational personnel within the
district, establish a policy that requires pupils to wear school uniforms.
The policy must include a description of the uniforms, and state which pupils
must wear the uniforms as well as the times during which the uniforms are to
be worn. Boards adopting school uniform policies must assist parents or legal
guardians who "request financial assistance to purchase the
uniforms." The board may likewise adopt a school-hours dress code for
"teachers and other personnel" under the board's employ. |
Nev. Rev. Stat. §392.458 |
|
New Hampshire (dress codes) |
Under rule allowing school
boards to adopt measures for discipline of schools, annotation states that,
"While a school board does have power to adopt reasonable restrictions
on dress as part of its educational policy and as an educational device, the
school board's power must be limited to that required by its function of
administering public education." |
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §189:15 |
|
New Jersey (dress codes) |
Upon the request of the
principal, staff and parents of students at a school, the local board may
enact a dress code, provided the board finds the policy will improve the
"school-learning environment."
Such policies are to include "a provision to assist economically
disadvantaged students," to be adopted after a public hearing about the
issue, and are not to be implemented with less than three months' notice to
students' parents or guardians. The principal, staff and parents of pupils at
the individual school will decide upon the specific uniform. The board may
choose to add a parental opt-out clause; children of parents who choose to
opt out shall not be sanctioned academically or otherwise. Students who
belong to a "nationally recognized youth organization" must be
allowed to wear that organization's uniform to school "on days that the
organization has scheduled a meeting." Local boards also may create
policies that forbid students from wearing gang-related clothing or
accessories. |
N.J. Stat. Ann. §§18A:11-7 and 11-8 |
|
New York (dress codes) |
Boards
may set “provisions regarding conduct, dress and language deemed appropriate
and acceptable on school property, including a school function, and conduct,
dress and language deemed unacceptable and inappropriate on school property
and provisions regarding acceptable civil and respectful treatment of
teachers . . . “ |
N.Y. Educ. Law §2801 |
|
North Carolina (uniforms) |
"The State Board of
Education may authorize up to five local school administrative units to
implement pilot programs in which students are required to wear uniforms in
public schools . . . Prior to selecting the pilot units, the State Board of
Education shall develop guidelines for local boards of education to use when
establishing requirements for students to wear uniforms in public schools. In
developing these guidelines, the State Board shall consider (i) ways to
promote parental and community involvement in the pilot programs, (ii)
relevant state and federal constitutional concerns such as freedom of
religion and freedom of speech and (iii) the ability of students to purchase
the uniforms . . . Local boards in the pilot units shall establish
requirements, consistent with the state board's guidelines, for students
enrolled in any of their schools to wear uniforms at school during the
regular day." Adds that state monies will not pay for uniforms. |
N.C. Gen. Stat. §115C-16 |
|
Ohio (dress codes, uniforms) |
Boards of education may adopt
school uniform or dress code policies under the following conditions: (A)
That "ample opportunity for principal, staff and parents to offer
suggestions and comments" has been provided; (B) That six months' notice
be given parents before a specific uniform is required; (C) That a plan for
helping low-income parents obtain uniforms is part of the policy (such plan
"may include using school district funds or funds from other
sources"); and (D) That on days when a nationally recognized youth
organization (which authorizes its own uniforms) "has a scheduled
function", students participating in the organization be exempt from
wearing their school uniforms. |
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3313.665 |
|
Oklahoma (dress codes, uniforms) |
Local boards have the option
of adopting a dress code that includes school uniforms. |
Okla. Stat. Ann. tit.70 §6-114 |
|
Pennsylvania (dress codes, uniforms) |
Board of directors in any
school entity may impose limitations on dress and may require pupils to wear
standard dress or uniforms. Dress policies may be applicable throughout the
school entity or may be applicable to one or more school buildings within the
school entity. |
Pa. Stat. Ann. tit. 24 §13-1317.3 |
|
Tennessee (uniforms) |
State board of education has
duty and authority to create "guidelines and criteria for local adoption
and enforcement of uniform clothing for public school students. These
guidelines and criteria shall require that uniform clothing be simple,
appropriate, readily available and inexpensive. The board is required to
disseminate these guidelines and criteria to local education agencies. These
guidelines and criteria can be used as a tool for local education agencies
that may adopt uniform clothing policies. Adoption of uniform clothing
policies shall be at the discretion of the local board of education." |
Tenn. Code Ann. §49-1-302 (j) |
|
Texas (uniforms) |
If the students attend a
school with a uniform policy, they are required to provide themselves with
uniforms, except for those who are educationally disadvantaged. District board may adopt
school uniform policy. Such policy must indicate where monies will come from
for purchasing uniforms for educationally disadvantaged pupils. Policies must
include parental opt-out provision "if the parent or guardian provides a
written statement that, as determined by the board of trustees, states a bona
fide religious or philosophical objection to the requirement." Students
will begin to wear uniforms 90 days after the board "adopts the rules
that require the uniforms." |
Texas Educ. Code Ann. §11.158 §11.162 |
|
Utah (uniforms) |
Local boards and public
schools may implement school uniform policies, after the "adopting
authority" holds a public hearing before formally adopting the policy.
If the parents/guardians of 20% of the students sign a petition voicing their
objection to the policy, and this petition is presented to the adopting
agency within 30 days of the dress code's adoption, an election must be held
to consider revocation of the uniform policy. Outlines details of procedure
of this election. |
Utah Code Ann. §53A-15-602 |
|
Virginia (uniforms) |
"A. The Board of
Education shall develop model guidelines for local school boards to utilize
when establishing requirements for pupils to wear uniforms. In developing
these guidelines, the board shall consider (i) ways to promote parental and
community involvement, (ii) relevant state and federal constitutional
concerns, such as freedom of religion and freedom of speech, and (iii) the
ability of pupils to purchase such clothing. "B. Upon approval by the
board of the model guidelines, local school boards may establish
requirements, consistent with the board's guidelines, for the students
enrolled in any of their schools to wear uniforms while in attendance at such
school during the regular school day. No state funds may be used for the
purchase of school uniforms." |
Va. Code Ann. §22.1-79.2 |
|
Washington (dress codes, uniforms) |
District boards "may establish schools or programs which parents may choose for their children to attend in which: (a) Students are required to conform to dress and grooming codes, including requiring that students wear uniforms..." "(2) School district
boards of directors may establish schools or programs in which: (a) Students
are required to conform to dress and grooming codes, including requiring that
students wear uniforms ... School boards may require that students who are
subject to suspension or expulsion attend these schools or programs as a
condition of continued enrollment in the school district. (3) If students are required
to wear uniforms in these programs or schools, school districts shall
accommodate students so that the uniform requirement is not an unfair barrier
to school attendance and participation. (4) Nothing in this section
impairs or reduces in any manner whatsoever the authority of a board under
other law to impose a dress and appearance code. However, if a board requires uniforms under such other
authority, it shall accommodate students so that the uniform requirement is
not an unfair barrier to school attendance and participation." District boards also may
establish policies that forbid students from wearing gang-related apparel. If
such a policy is adopted, the board also must inform parents and students of
"what clothing and apparel is considered to be gang-related apparel.
This notice must precede any disciplinary action resulting from a student wearing
gang-related apparel." Students who participate in a nationally
recognized youth organization must be allowed to wear that organization's
uniform "on days that the organization has a scheduled activity,"
the district may not "prohibit students from wearing clothing in
observance of their religion." |
Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 28A.320.140 |
Examples of School District-Level Policies on School Uniforms (not inclusive)
|
District, State |
Voluntary |
Mandatory |
Notes |
|
Highland Park, MI |
X 5 schools |
|
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|
Long Beach Unified, CA |
|
X 70 schools |
Parents have option of
refusing to comply; there are provisions to supply low-income students with
uniforms. |
|
Dade County, FL |
X 80 schools |
X 46 schools |
|
|
Oakland, CA |
|
X |
See Long Beach Unified. |
|
District of Columbia |
X 41 schools |
|