School district looking at potential dress code update

“It’s about learning, and less time spent on this”

[  By Kendra Walker  ]

The Gunnison Watershed School District may soon update its school dress code, as the school board plans to review potential updates at its next regular meeting on September 12.

The district’s dress code policy is required by law, and it currently has six different dress codes for each of the schools. Superintendent Dr. Leslie Nichols explained that last year students brought up concerns about the current dress code.

“They wanted to update the dress code because there is gender bias in the language and it is out of date,” said Nichols. Students from the Crested Butte student leadership council, Gunnison student leadership council and Gunnison Project did research and brought recommendations to update the dress code. Nichols said the Assistant Principal Council (APCO), charged primarily with supporting student discipline, behavior and culture in the schools agreed that having one clear district-wide dress code makes a lot of sense. “With the APCO, we blended the students’ recommendations and put together a preliminary draft for the board to consider,” said Nichols. “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to engage student voices in this process. We want to be sure we’re listening.”

Nichols noted that equal enforcement of the policy was important to students. “Regardless of gender, body size, fashion styles, it’s really important to kids,” she said. “By taking that approach it really fits with our whole district being rooted in restorative practices, building positive relationships and building clear communication as the foundation for how we engage.”

The proposed dress code updates focus on removing vague language that would typically be interpreted as referring more to females, such as saying clothing shall not be too revealing. Instead, it would say that clothing shall cover the buttocks, breasts and genitals. “It’s phrased in a positive way to say what it is that we do want to see as far as clothing goes,” said Nichols. “It uses very clear and direct language.” 

Students were also very interested in permitting hats. The hat rule is still an ongoing decision, noted Nichols. Nichols said that the language could specify that eyes and ears need to be uncovered. “Having eyes and ears open and being able to hear what’s being communicated is really important.” She noted that it can be cold in the winter and students may want to wear a beanie, but also recognized that there are many who feel strongly that hats off inside buildings is a sign of respect. “Finding the balance in school when every family has different cultures and expectations is tricky,” she said.

“I don’t have a problem with hats,” said board member Dave Taylor during an August 22 work session.

“I have to disagree. Eye contact is key to learning. I’m old fashioned as well, or maybe I just learned ok following the rules,” said board member Mandy Roberts. “I think we’re opening a can of worms. I think it’s going to get worse, they’ll keep wanting more.”

“The good news is we have two APs (assistant principals) on our staff that have worked at schools with a no hat rule, and they say it’s a relief to not have to enforce that, the energy that goes into enforcing that and recapturing that energy into other positive interactions with kids is worth its weight in gold and it is not a problem,” said Nichols. “They just haven’t found it to be a huge deal.”

“I agree that it’s not the fight worth fighting,” said Taylor. 

Board member LeeAnn Mick agreed, “It is a waste of time.”

“We have other needs to focus on,” said Nichols. “I think we can meet kids where they are.”

“In five years they’ll want something else,” disagreed Roberts. “Uniforms is a thought though. It’s not a fashion show, it’s school. I think it’s something we should think about.”

Nichols is working with administration to make further refinements to the dress code draft and the board will review the first reading on September 12. 

“It’s important to have student input, of course within reason,” said Taylor. “If this truly has the student voice in it, I’m supportive in general of what it says.”

Nichols stressed, “It’s about learning, and less time spent on this.”