Manassas school board debates adding specific wording on exposed undergarments to student code of conduct

The Manassas City School Board on Tuesday debated adding specific language to the 2025-26 Student Code of Conduct to prohibit clothing that reveals undergarments, but left final changes for a later approval so the code will be ready by the start of the school year. Deputy Superintendent Greg Gafeller said during the discussion that "there were no recommended changes" to the code following the academic committee review, but cautioned that action on related policies tonight could require updates to the code before final adoption. Board member Ms. Miles proposed adding two bullet points to the dress-and-appearance section stating that clothing that "reveal or expose undergarments, and fit in a manner as to reveal or expose undergarments" should be prohibited. Miles said she was concerned the current language "leaves too much room for interpretation" and that adding the wording would help teachers enforce expectations and prepare students for workplace norms. Several board members pressed on implementation and equity issues. Mrs. Stevens, who teaches middle school, said that students from low-income households sometimes wear clothing that does not fit properly and that adding strict language could penalize families who cannot afford better-fitting garments. "When you're wearing clothes or undergarments that don't fit properly, the chance of them showing increased exponentially," Stevens said, adding that enforcement must avoid humiliating students. Ms. Brown asked whether the board could approve the code as drafted now and amend it later; staff confirmed revisions could return to the board at the next meeting but noted the code needs to be in place before classes begin. Board members also reviewed language used by neighboring Prince William County, which Miles cited as including wording about garments that "reveal or expose undergarments," and discussed adopting a similar caveat that "no PWCS employee may enforce the student dress and grooming provisions by direct physical contact" to prevent staff from physically handling students' clothing. Dr. Jones suggested tracking whether the problem is widespread before making a formal change: "Maybe this can be the year to kinda look and see if is it a problem and do we need to make further changes?" Gafeller said the code is on the district's discussion agenda and that, if the board approves other policies tonight, staff would update the code and return it for formal action. The board noted the code must be approved before the first day of school and discussed taking the issue up at an upcoming work session for more time to refine language. Ending: The board did not adopt the specific undergarment language at the meeting. Members agreed to continue deliberations at the work session and to ensure the code is finalized in time for the August start of school. No final vote on the dress-code text was recorded at this meeting.