EPISD updates dress code policies with new task force recommendations

The El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) Board of Trustees convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, with a significant focus on the Dress Code Task Force update. The meeting aimed to address the need for a more consistent and enforceable dress code across the district's 74 campuses.

The discussion began with Board President Iravali introducing the topic and acknowledging a speaker, Ross Moore from the Veil Paso AFT, who expressed support for the proposed dress code changes. Moore emphasized the importance of including frontline educators—teachers and staff—in the development process, as they are responsible for enforcing the dress code. He cautioned that without proper support from campus administration, the enforcement could lead to challenges, including student pushback.

Following Moore's comments, Dr. Carla Gonzales and Mark Boss presented the task force's findings and recommendations. They highlighted the need for a unified dress code that aligns expectations from elementary through high school. The task force has been reviewing existing dress code policies and gathering input from various stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators.

Mr. Paz, a member of the task force, detailed the proposed changes, which aim to simplify and standardize dress code language. The recommendations include specific guidelines for acceptable clothing, emphasizing cleanliness and safety. For elementary students, uniform dress is mandatory, while middle and high school students will have a mix of uniform and non-uniform options, with clear restrictions on inappropriate attire.

The proposed dress code also includes provisions for student ID cards to be worn at all times, with strict guidelines on what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable clothing. The task force aims to ensure that the dress code is inclusive, non-discriminatory, and minimizes disruptions to the learning environment.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue gathering feedback from all stakeholders as the task force finalizes the dress code updates. The board plans to review the recommendations further and implement changes that reflect the community's input while maintaining a focus on fostering a respectful and conducive educational atmosphere.