Board to revisit student dress code after public backlash over leggings rule

Public reaction to dress-code changes — especially provisions covering leggings and spandex — prompted board members to request a formal reconsideration of the code of conduct.

At the start of the meeting several parents and residents expressed surprise at recent dress-code language requiring leggings to be covered by clothing extending to mid-thigh. Oleg Martens told the board he believed the changes discriminated against girls and reported a Change.org petition approaching 2,000 signatures. Member Vaughn moved, and Member Rendon seconded, that the superintendent place an amendment to the student code of conduct on a future agenda to remove the mid-thigh covering requirement and allow leggings to be worn. The board asked staff and legal counsel to prepare draft language and to follow statutory notice requirements for modifying board policies.

Doctor Graves (district staff) explained the current approved language reads, in part: "spandex or leggings are not permitted unless worn as undergarments or covered by clothing that extends to at least mid thigh." Board members discussed whether a workshop on dress code would be preferable to a single amended vote; some favored a prompt amendment because school starts soon. The motion passed to bring the code back for consideration at the next appropriately noticed meeting.