TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR EMPLOYEE DRESS

TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE BY: VICKY COYLE

HILLCREST SCHOOL EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE � Staff are expected to be dressed cleanly and neatly. Outside personnel are frequent visitors to the school as it is a source of pride to both us and the agency. First impressions are very often how people interpret an overall program. Too casual of dress possibly indicates lower expectations to both outside personnel and students.

HILLCREST DRESS CODE CONT. � General casual wear is acceptable according to the job function with the understanding that when a staff member is representing the agency in public (i. e. meetings, court hearings, staffings, etc. ) which require more than usual casual dress, the staff member will represent him/herself accordingly. You are a role model at all times in all situations.

HILLCREST CONT. -BLUE JEANS/PANTS/SKIRTS � For staff involved in direct supervision of youth, blue jeans which are comfortable fitting and in good repair, are considered functional and appropriate. All other staff are asked to use discretion in wearing blue jeans in accordance with their job function. Additionally, pants must be worn at or above the waist. Sweatpants/Wind pants/pajama pants are prohibited.

HILLCREST CONT. � Wearing skirts/dresses are not allowed. Any request for modification of this policy must be made in writing for special accommodations. Wearing of skirts/dresses is considered unsafe and detrimental within the school program. All staff are to dress professionally on a daily basis.

HILLCREST CONT. -FOOTWEAR � Footwear must be worn at all times. Footwear needs to be secure to the foot and must cover the toes. Tennis shoes are generally recommended. In addition, it is recommended that staff wear non-slip footwear. Opened toed, strapless sandals should not be worn, all other sandals must be worn with socks. Socks are to be worn at all times.

HILLCREST CONT. � Hats are not to be worn in buildings by both staff and students. During the winter months, it is expected that staff wear adequate outerwear. � Shorts are allowed. They are to be 2 inches above the knee and no shorter. Shorts that are prohibited include boxers and bike/spandex shorts when worn as the outer garment.

HILLCREST CONT. Tank tops and muscle shirts are not to be worn. Low cut or shirts with oversized neckline should not be worn. � Due to safety issues for staff and students, jewelry should be kept to a minimum. No visible piercings (nose, tongue, eyebrow, etc. ) are allowed. When called to a crisis situation, jewelry should be removed. When wearing jewelry, remember to use common sense. � Clothing or tattoos that depict slogans, symbols, or pictures promoting the use of chemicals or of a sexual nature or otherwise derogatory nature are prohibited. �

HILLCREST CONT. � It is imperative that you dress in a professional manner each day. Staff should dress so as to stand out in the classroom when visitors are on campus. If staff are deemed inappropriately dressed by the Principal or Associate Principals, the staff will be sent home, clocking out, to change. Staff should consult Administration if they need clarification on this policy.

EAST HARTFORD EDUCATION ASSOCIATION V. BOARD OF EDUCATION � Richard Brimley, a public school teacher, was reprimanded for failing to wear a necktie while teaching his English class. � Brimley along with the teachers’ union sued the East Hartford Board of Education claiming that the reprimand for violating the dress code deprived him of his rights of free speech and privacy.

EAST HARTFORD CONT. � The court decided that a school board may, if it wishes, impose reasonable regulations governing the appearance of the teachers it employs.

DOMICO V. RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD � � The school board made a decision that employees could not wear beards. The teachers and bus drivers that were tenured followed a suit against the school board in federal district court alleging it violated their civil rights. The district court found in favor of the school board and the employees appealed it. The decision remained the same-in favor of the school board. The school board did not violate any constitutional rights. There is a line formed between high school and college meaning the decision may have been different if it was at a college level. They agreed the school board was not being irrational in their decision. They were interested in teaching hygiene, instilling discipline, asserting authority, and compelling uniformity. They also imposed this dress code on the students.

OTHER IDEAS IN SCHOOLS’ DRESS CODES � Male staff are encouraged to wear ties. � No chewing of gum. � Spirit Day attire � Shirts must be tucked in.

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS � What is the dress code at your school? � Have there been any issues with it? � Do you agree or disagree with your dress code?