Schools may adopt dress codes that are reasonably related to the health and safety of students. School dress codes and uniform policies must be implemented in a manner consistent with the rights set forth in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Section 2 of Article 1 of the California Constitution. The California legislature has determined that gang apparel is hazardous to the health and safety of the school environment, and therefore, the wearing of such apparel may be restricted. All dress codes must be gender neutral; students cannot be disciplined or prevented from wearing attire that is commonly associated with the other gender.

 

A. Dress Codes
All students shall be required to show proper attention to personal cleanliness, health, neatness, safety and suitability of clothing and
appearance for school activities. In every case the dress and grooming of the student shall be clean and shall not:
* Cause actual distraction from or disturbance in any school activity or actually interfere with the participation of a student in any
   school activity
* Create a hazard to the safety of him/herself or others
* Create a health hazard

 

B. Uniforms
California Education Code Section 35183 allows a governing board to adopt a uniform policy that authorizes schools to require pupils to
wear a school uniform. Any uniform policy implemented by schools must be voluntary and must make provision for participation by economically disadvantaged students. Parents must be advised of their right to opt out of the school‘s uniform policy. Students whose parents choose not to participate in a uniform program may not be disciplined, discriminated against, or otherwise denied rights and privileges available to other students.