Board votes to revert leggings restrictions in student code of conduct

The Hillsborough County School Board voted to revert recent additions to the student code of conduct that would have tightened restrictions on leggings and spandex.

Doctor Rick Grace, chief of schools, explained the committee process and said much of the proposed language reflected student and staff input. After public comments from students and parents and extended discussion among board members about enforcement, equity, and student safety, Attorney Porter restated the motion: a vote to reinstate the dress code language that was in effect last school year. Member Gray moved the motion and Member Washington seconded it.

Member Vaughn — who had introduced the original request for review — said the district’s existing code already prohibits exposed midriffs and visible underwear and that a workshop could refine language without imposing what she called “arbitrarily restrictive” standards. She told colleagues: "clothing exposing the torso midriff, front or back or side shall not be worn, and the underwear shall not be visible." Member Rendon said he would have preferred adjustments rather than complete removal and recorded a dissent. The motion to revert passed with one dissenting vote.

Board members agreed to schedule a policy workshop to review dress-code language, hear more community perspectives, and consider targeted clarifications to address enforcement and equity concerns ahead of the next school year.