• District 118 Student Dress Code

     

    Danville School District 118 expects a standard in behavior, dress, grooming, and appearance that reflects pride in self, home, and school.  The Board of Education prohibits student dress and grooming which interferes with appropriate discipline in the operation of District schools, interferes with the rights of others, or is vulgar, indecent, obscene or insulting. The Board also prohibits dress or grooming that conveys any message that promotes or encourages behavior that is inconsistent with the basic educational message of the District, such as tobacco, alcohol or illegal drug use, physical or sexual violence, or gang affiliation; depicts hate speech based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected groups; or is contrary to accepted social standards in the community.

    This standard for dress was adopted to improve the learning environment, to reduce classroom distractions, to increase students’ self-respect and self-esteem, to improve school spirit, and to enhance the District’s image within the community.

    It is the responsibility of parents to see that their student(s) follow the guidelines established in this dress code. If a student does not follow the guidelines, he/she may be asked to change the item of clothing at school, a parent may be notified and asked to bring a change of clothing to school, or the student may be sent home to change clothes.  Parents are expected to update their contact information on a regular basis.

    These guidelines are examples of acceptable and unacceptable clothing in District 118 schools. They are not an all-inclusive list. Some of the examples are very clear; others leave room for interpretation. If a parent has a question about any of the guidelines, he or she should contact the building administrator(s) to avoid any misunderstandings and the hard feelings that may result. If there is a question of safety or decency, a decision by the building administrator(s) will be final.  Repeated offenses may be considered insubordination and the student may be suspended from school.   

    Shirts/Tops/Blouses/Jackets

    1. No tank tops, halter tops, strapless tops, spaghetti straps, camisoles are allowed.
    2. Jackets may be worn. Winter coats may not be worn in the classroom or cafeteria.
    3. No midriff may be exposed.
    4. Any item determined by the building administrator(s) to be too tight or revealing is not allowed.

     Dresses/Skirts

     Students may wear dresses or skirts subject to the following restrictions:

    1. A dress must not be strapless or have spaghetti straps.
    2. Dresses and skirts must be no shorter than fingertip length plus one inch (approximately mid-thigh/3” above knee).
    3. No low cut dresses are allowed. Undergarments are not to be visible.
    4. No leather, mesh, nylon/vinyl/spandex, see-through material or cutouts are allowed.
    5. Any item determined by the building administrator(s) to be too tight or revealing is not allowed.

    Pants/Shorts

    1. Pants must be worn at the waist; neither underwear nor skin shall be exposed. Both pant legs must be the same length. Pants must be fastened, and if a belt is worn, it must be buckled.
    2. Shorts must be no shorter than fingertip length plus one inch ( approximately mid-thigh /3” above knee)
    3. Blue jeans may be worn if free of rips and tears.
    4. No yoga pants, pajama pants, leather, mesh, flannel/fleece, and nylon/vinyl/spandex are allowed.
    5. Leggings and tights are not to be worn as pants. Leggings and tights may be worn under a dress or skirt.
    6. Any item determined by the building administrator(s) to be too tight or revealing is not allowed.

    Additional Standards of Dress

    1. The Board prohibits dress or grooming that conveys any message that promotes or encourages behavior that is inconsistent with the basic educational message of the District, such as tobacco, alcohol or illegal drug use, physical or sexual violence, or gang affiliation; depicts hate speech based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected groups; or is contrary to accepted social standards in the community.
    2. No flip flops or house slippers may be worn.
    3. Having jewelry, tattoos, body art or clothing depicting gang symbolism or affiliation is not allowed and may result in disciplinary consequences outlined in the Ownership in Education handbook.
    4. Dress scarves are allowed. Scarves are not allowed as headwear, except for religious exemptions.
    5. Hats, ear guards, sweatbands, bandanas, hairnets, hoods, and gloves may not be worn in school buildings.
    6. Unless prescribed by a doctor, sunglasses are not to be worn in any school building.
    7. Chain wallets are not allowed.

    Exemptions

    Bona Fide Religious

    The parent or legal guardian of a student (or a student who is 18 years of age or older) may object on religious grounds to the student’s compliance with any portion of this dress code policy.  In order to object, the parent or legal guardian (or student who is 18 years of age or older) shall submit a written statement which responds to the following questions:

    1. For which part of the policy are you requesting an exemption? 
    2. What is the basis for the request for religious exemption?
    3. What religious teaching, religious belief or religious practice prohibits compliance with this dress code?

    In addition, all written objections must be accompanied by a signed statement of a religious official (such as minister, rabbi, imam, or other) or other person who can verify the good faith basis of the request.  The principal or his/her designee shall review all objections.  Students with legitimate religious objections shall not be required to comply with those portions of this policy which conflict with such good faith, religious requirements.

    A religious exemption to the Uniform Standard of Dress policy only shall be granted if the requirements herein are completed in totality and the religious exemption can be verified by a bona fide religious leader.  All other applications for religious exemption shall be denied.

    If the application for religious exemption is denied, the student applying for the exemption may appeal the determination to the Superintendent, who will review the application and make his/her determination within 30 days of the appeal. 

    Case by Case Exemptions

    Each building administrator shall have the discretion to provide exceptions or accommodations to students who show good cause, including students who have medical needs for particular clothing.  Such exceptions or accommodations will be made on a case by case basis and in a manner which maintains the integrity of the purpose of the standard of dress. The Board of Education reserves the right to modify this policy when deemed necessary.

    LEGAL REF.:  105 ILCS 5/10-22.25b.

    Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District, 89 S.Ct. 733 (1969).

    CROSS REF.  7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Discipline)