ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DRESS CODE

The standards for elementary school dress reflect "common sense" and a concern for each child's comfort, safety, cleanliness, and sense of modesty. There is a strong relationship between neat, appropriate attire and a positive learning environment. Apparel or appearance which tends to draw attention to an individual rather than to a learning situation must be avoided.

To help create the best learning environment for elementary students, the following standards for student dress must be observed in all Knox County Elementary Schools:

1. Pants must not sag below the waist and must be at a safe length.
2. Head apparel, except for religious or medical reasons, must not be worn inside the school building.
3. Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor or outdoor physical activity.
4. Clothing or accessories may not create disruption or display vulgar language or images and must
   not advertise products which students may not legally purchase.
5. For students in Grades 3-5, "short shorts", mini-skirts, and skin-tight outer materials without
   proper coverage are inappropriate attire.
6. For students in Grades 3-5, shirts, blouses, and dresses must completely cover the abdomen, back, and shoulders, and shirts or tops must cover the waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts with no midriff visible. Skin-tight outer materials are prohibited without appropriate coverage.

The school administration reserves the right to determine whether the student's attire and appearance are within the acceptable limits. In matters of opinion, the judgment of the principal/designee shall prevail.

The principal may allow exceptions for school-wide programs or special classroom activities.

The teachers and the principal will administer appropriate consequences for policy infractions.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL DRESS CODE

The following expectations for student dress have been established to promote a safe and optimum
learning environment.

Apparel or appearance which tends to draw attention to an individual rather than to a learning situation
must be avoided. In matters of opinion, the judgment of the principal/designee shall prevail.

The following standards will be observed in all Knox County Middle and High Schools:

1. Pants must be worn at the waist. No sagging allowed.
2. Shirts, blouses, and dresses must completely cover the abdomen, back, and shoulders and must
   have sleeves. Shirts or tops must cover the waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts with no midriff
   visible. Low-cut blouses, shirts, or tops or extremely tight tops, tube tops, or any top that exposes
   cleavage are prohibited.
3. Head apparel, except for religious or medical purposes, must not be worn inside the school
   building.
4. Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor and outdoor activity.
5. Clothing and accessories such as backpacks, patches, jewelry, and notebooks must not display (1)
   racial or ethnic slurs/symbols, (2) gang affiliations, (3) disruptive, vulgar, or sexually suggestive
   language or images; nor, should they promote products which students may not legally buy; such
   as alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
6. Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be beyond mid-thigh length.
7. Sleepwear, pajamas, and/or blankets cannot be worn in school.
8. Prohibited items include (1) large, long and/or heavy chains, (2) studded or chained accessories,
   (3) sunglasses, except for health purposes, (4) sleepwear, and (5) skin-tight outer materials without
   appropriate coverage.

The school administration reserves the right to determine whether the student's attire is within the limits
of decency and modesty. Administration should strive for consistency so the dress code is applied evenhandedly to male and female students.

The principal may allow exceptions in special circumstances or occasions such as holidays or special
performances and may further prescribe dress in certain classes such as physical education, vocational
classes, and science labs.

Any student not attired in accordance with this policy shall be subject to correction of the violation. If a
correction cannot be made, the student shall be subject to additional disciplinary measures as described
in Policy J-191 “Misbehaviors and Disciplinary Options.”

This policy does not preclude individual schools from implementing standardized dress policies with
permission from the Director of Schools and the Board of Education after extensive consultation with
parents, teachers, and students. Any deviation from the system-wide policy must be submitted in writing
to the Assistant Superintendent of Academics for review and recommendation to the Director of Schools
and the Board of Education.

Legal References:

1. Knox County Board of Education Policy J-191 “Misbehaviors and Disciplinary Options.”
2. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Manual on School Uniforms.

Approved as to Legal Form
By Knox County Law Director 11/17/2023
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director