IPS overhauls its dress code policy: What students can and can't wear to school

Caroline Beck, Indianapolis Star
·4 min read
1

Indianapolis Public Schools students will have more latitude in what they can wear to school starting next school year, after the IPS school board approved a far more lenient dress code policy late last week.

The dress code changes, along with some less major tweaks to policies on homework and gifted education, represent the results of the IPS board's months-long initiative to reevaluate jts policies to ensure more equity, fairness and cultural awareness.

Here is a look at the policies that have been changed.

Indianapolis Public Schools dress code

The most significant change entailed a complete overhaul of the district’s dress code policy, simplifying the policy from a 10-page detailed list to a three-page universal dress code policy.

The new policy states that students can dress and style their hair in whatever manner "expresses their individuality" without fear of being disciplined. Previously, IPS students were restricted to wearing only solid-colored shirts and pants and had to tuck in their shirts at all times.

The new policy gives parents the primary responsibility for their children’s clothing choices, saying that the district is “committed to racial equity in both mindset and action.”

Recent IPS news: School 87 parents share their hurt and anger with IPS over recent teacher abuse scandal

The new policy says students must wear:

  • Tops (shirts with sleeves and that cover the midriff, blouses, sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, etc.);

  • Bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. must be free of tears or holes and should reach their fingertips)

  • Footwear (closed toed shoes only)

Students can wear head coverings for religious purposes but are not allowed to wear bonnets, durags, hats inside buildings, wave caps or other similar items.

Students won’t be allowed to wear any items that:

  • Are pornographic, contain threats, or that promote illegal or violent conduct such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia.

  • Demonstrate hate speech targeting certain groups based upon certain identities or display hate group affiliation.

  • Intentionally show private parts. All clothing must ensure undergarments are covered.

  • Cover a student’s face so they are not identifiable (except for religious or medical purposes).

  • Demonstrate gang affiliation.

If a student breaks any of these dress code rules, the new policy states that they won’t be disciplined or removed from class unless they create a substantial disruption or pose a risk to the health and safety of others.

Students will not face out-of-school suspension if caught not following the dress code. However, students could face a series of consequences if caught violating the policy multiple times:

  • The first offense will result in contacting a guardian or parent and the student being told to cover, change or remove the non-complying attire.

  • The second offense will result in a second parent or guardian phone call and directive to change.

  • The third offense will require the student and guardian to attend a “restorative conference.”

The new dress code will be in place next school year.

IPS homework policy

The change in the board policy on homework acknowledges that students come from diverse backgrounds with different access to resources and support and that teachers should take that into account when making homework assignments.

Additions to the policy state that homework should never be used as a punishment and should reinforce classroom learning, not replace it.

More IPS news: IPL board member Stephen Lane resigns from his position before IPS board removes him

The policy revisions eliminate specific language on what should be expected for homework when it comes to different grade levels.

IPS programs for gifted students

The new additions to the board policy for the gifted students programs say the board will ensure that the identification process for gifted students is “culturally responsive and unbiased.”

This means considering multiple information sources for admitting students into the gifted program including teacher recommendations, student portfolios, and parental input, in addition to standardized tests.

The policy also says the board will provide underrepresented populations with access to gifted programs.

New reporting requirements on the demographics of the students involved in the gifted program will be published on an annual basis. At least once every three years the district will conduct a review of the gifted program.

Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @CarolineB_Indy.

Caroline’s reporting is made possible by Report for America and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. 

Report for America is a program of The GroundTruth Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening local newsrooms. Report for America provides funding for up to half of the reporter’s salary during their time with us, and IndyStar is fundraising the remainder. To learn more about how you can support IndyStar’s partnership with Report for America and to make a donation, visit indystar.com/RFA.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IPS overhauls many district policies including dress code