Dress Code Policy 

We hope you join us in eagerly anticipating the 2023-2024 school year! As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students, we are pleased to announce important updates to the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) dress code.

At the onset, you should know that the revised dress code for the 2023-2024 school year has been developed through a collaborative effort involving students, parents, staff, and community members. This invaluable feedback played a significant role in shaping a dress code that reflects the diversity of our student body and ensures a positive atmosphere conducive to effective teaching and learning.

These insights were included in extensive research of other dress code policies across metropolitan Atlanta and other states nationwide. The result was updating our dress code that eliminates gender-specific language and avoids unfairly targeting students from specific cultures or religions.

The goal of our updated dress code is twofold: a) Promote an environment of respect, self-care, and consideration for others, and b) Eliminate any obstacles that could hinder students' educational experiences. These changes better align with the evolving societal norms while ensuring the well-being of both students and staff members.

Summary Highlights of the 2023-2024 Dress Code:

Students Must:

• Wear suitable clothing that maintains a safe and orderly environment promoting respect, care for self and others.
• Wear a shirt of opaque (non-see through) fabric that covers all undergarments, including during any movement while sitting or standing.
• Wear bottoms of opaque (non-see through) fabric that covers all undergarments, including during any movement while sitting or standing.
• Wear clothing that corresponds with the demands and purpose of the activity in which the student participates.
• Wear protective clothing, headgear, eyewear, etc., required for specific programs, classes, or activities.
• Wear shoes at all times. Footwear that interferes with freedom, movement, or safety is prohibited.

Students Must Not:

• Wear pajamas, pajama shirts, bottoms, or sleepwear of any kind.
• Wear house shoes, bedroom slippers of any kind, or footwear that interferes with freedom, movement, or safety.
• Wear headgear of any kind (religious practices, medical conditions, disabilities, specific school activities are excluded).
• Wear clothing, jewelry, tattoos, piercings, or other body ornaments that disrupt the educational process or endanger the health or safety of other students, staff, or visitors.
• Wear clothing, insignia, symbols, tattoos, piercings, jewelry, or adornments worn or carried on or about a student which promote gangs or the use of controlled substances, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
• Wear clothing, tattoos, or other adornments which show offensive and/or vulgar words, pictures, diagrams, drawings, or include words or phrases of a violent nature, a disruptive nature, a sexual nature, politically/socially controversial words or graphics or words or phrases that are derogatory regarding a person’s ethnic background, color, race, national origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, or disability.

Administrator's Discretion and Exceptions:

Administrators are empowered to exercise judgment in determining whether a student’s attire is disruptive or poses a safety hazard. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, religious practices, or disabilities.

A complete copy of the 2023-2024 DCSD Code of Student Conduct, including the revised dress code, will be available at all schools and is found on our District’s website at: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/documents/code-of-conduct/2024/2023-2024-dcsd-code-of-student-conduct.pdf.

This month, our school administrators will receive comprehensive training on the updated dress code, and teachers will guide students through the changes during the initial weeks of the school year.

We sincerely appreciate your partnership in creating a nurturing and respectful environment that allows students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the updated dress code, please do not hesitate to contact your school's administrative office.

Thank you for your ongoing support, as we look forward to another incredibly successful school year!

Contact:

Dr. Kishia K. Towns, Deputy Superintendent

Equity and Student Empowerment