In taking a closer look at the dress codes enforced in K-12 schools, we see that the sort of clothing and grooming standards focused on, and who is being disciplined for violating these policies, demonstrate that most are rooted in and perpetuate biases and stereotypes about gender and race. Gendered dress codes and disproportionate discipline for dress code violations deprive students—in particular girls, students of color and LGBTQ+ students—of classroom instruction and harm their social and emotional development, setting them on a course with negative consequences potentially for their lifetime. This resource aims to help students, parents and educators identify dress code provisions that perpetuate harmful biases and provides tools to advocate for and implement change.

If you are being affected by a gendered dress code reach out to us at our Syms Legal Momentum Gender Equality Helpline at 1-800-649-0297 or Help@LMHelpline.org.