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Board approves removing explicit ban on 'pajama pants' from middle school handbook after debate
Summary
Cedar Springs trustees voted Jan. 6 to adjust the middle school handbook language to allow pajama pants if they are appropriate; the change passed despite at least one dissent and drew public comments criticizing dress standards and district enrollment trends.
The Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 6 voted to adjust the middle school student handbook to remove an explicit prohibition on pajama pants, a change administrators said is intended to align the handbook with current practice and with high school language.
Board members heard from staff that middle school principals had been referring students for wearing pajama pants even when items met coverage and safety standards. Courtney McDonald asked the board to consider eliminating the explicit ban and to instead apply a standard that focuses on appropriateness and safety.
Scott, presenting the proposal, said the change would allow pajama pants in middle school so long as they meet existing safety and appropriateness standards. The board discussed related language on slippers and clothing that could be deemed unsafe; the superintendent and staff said safety exceptions remain covered elsewhere in the handbook.
During public comment, two residents urged the board to take a stricter approach. John Wood asked whether the district has a DEI office and said of DEI programs: “I perceive it to be a financial drain, and it's anything but diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Dwayne Greeter criticized the handbook change as lowering standards and warned of broader cultural effects, saying, “Let's use some moral values.” Both speakers identified themselves as members of the public; the board did not respond during the public comment period but said staff would follow up on concerns.
On the motion to approve the middle school handbook adjustment as presented, the roll-call vote recorded in the minutes shows multiple yes votes and one no (Trustee Lund). The minutes record the motion as carried.
Board members also noted the item could have been held for further review if the board had desired more time; trustees said the revision is intended to create consistency between building handbooks and to avoid referrals for clothing that otherwise meets coverage and safety requirements.
Ending: The approved handbook language will be implemented for the current school year; staff said they will continue to review handbook language and return to the board if more revisions are needed.
