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EPISD task force proposes standardized dress code, student IDs and one‑year transition for consolidated campuses
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Summary
District staff presented draft dress‑code language developed with principals, parents and students that would standardize allowed tops and bottoms, require student ID cards and provide a one‑year transition for students moving between uniform and non‑uniform campuses; ACLU guidance and teacher input will inform next drafts.
El Paso ISD staff presented an update from a district dress‑code task force and outlined recommended language designed to create consistent, less ambiguous rules across elementary, middle and high schools.
Project leads said the task force reviewed existing campus policies at 74 campuses, sought input from students and parents through zone meetings, and used guidance from the American Civil Liberties Union as a “north star” for inclusive language. Staff said the goal is clearer, specific wording so enforcement is consistent across campuses and less disruptive to instruction.
Recommended elements outlined at the meeting included: - Standardized approved tops for uniform campuses: solid navy blue or gray polo or T‑shirt, plus one campus color or campus spirit shirts; campus spirit shirts allowed daily. - Bottoms: pants, shorts, skorts, skirts or jumpers in tan/khaki, navy or black; jeans allowed in specified colors; bottoms must be worn at or above the waist and fully cover students’ undergarments. - Miscellaneous: district proposed a soft rollout of student ID cards to be worn at all times. Prohibited items listed include clothing or accessories that advertise or promote racist ideas, gang affiliation, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, explicit content or vulgar language. Head coverings except for religious use, bandanas, hats, sunglasses indoors and dangling chains were flagged as not approved. - Transitional language for consolidation: students transferring from a closing uniform campus to another uniform campus would be allowed up to one year to transition to the new campus’ uniform top.
Administrators told the board the task force includes a mix of principals, assistant principals, parents and a student panel of 24 Super SAC students who offered input from elementary through high school levels. Ross Moore of El Paso AFT urged the board at public comment to include frontline educators—teachers, paraprofessionals and librarians—in the task force because they are the staff who will enforce any revised rules.
Board members and staff noted legal counsel is reviewing proposed wording; district leaders said they will continue meetings with the Teacher Advisory Council and provide a revised proposal incorporating teacher and legal feedback.
Ending: Staff called the draft a work in progress and invited additional stakeholder feedback; no policy vote was scheduled at the meeting.
