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Scottsdale Unified board tightens student dress code, board directs clearer enforcement guidance
Summary
The governing board revised the district code of conduct to require clothing that covers private body parts including chest and midriff and voted unanimously to adopt the change; board and staff discussed enforcement challenges and supports.
The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board voted unanimously to revise the student code of conduct to require clothing that covers private body parts, including the entire midriff, as part of a broader effort board members said is intended to support a focused learning environment.
Board member Amy Carney introduced the motion to change dress-code language to specify coverage of “private body parts, chest, buttocks and the entire midriff.” She described the change as restoring language that had been removed in 2022 without broad public review. "Curriculum adoption committees should absolutely be advisory committees under policy BDF," she said in an earlier discussion about committee transparency; on dress code she moved the modification directly.
Superintendent and staff discussed enforcement realities and potential unintended consequences — for example, students who outgrow clothing midyear and families unable to replace items immediately. Superintendent Menzel and administrators said consistent early-year communication (including visuals) and coordinated staff guidance at school sites would be needed for equitable enforcement.
Board members and staff discussed several practical steps to reduce enforcement burden, including a visual guide for staff and reminders at back-to-school events. Multiple members noted the sensitivity for staff — especially male staff — when addressing students about clothing and stressed the need for a respectful, consistent approach.
The motion to revise the dress-code language passed 5–0. The board asked staff to prepare clearer school-level enforcement guidance, suggested providing back-to-school reminders to families and noted existing campus resources (for example, community clothing closets) to assist families who need replacements.
Ending: The board approved the revised wording and directed the superintendent to follow up with implementation guidance to campuses prior to the 2025–26 school year.
