Philosophy

Pflugerville ISD's student dress code supports equitable educational access and helps to create an inclusive community.

To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, immigration status, or any other basis prohibited by law, that adversely affects the student FFH(LOCAL).

Purpose

All students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or any school-sponsored event. Students should dress in a manner that will not interfere with instruction. Student dress choices should respect the District's intent to sustain a community inclusive of a diverse range

of identities. Choices regarding student attire for school are the responsibility of the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). Any restrictions on the way a student dresses must be necessary to support the overall educational goals of the school and must be explained within this dress code. These dress code guidelines apply to regular school days, summer, and school-related events and activities, such as graduation ceremonies, field trips, and school trips. All students should dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of unnecessary discipline or body shaming. Students shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that will not be a health or safety hazard to themselves or others.

General Guidelines

Basic Principle:

Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times. Clothes must be worn in a way such that the abdomen, genitals, buttocks, and chest/breasts are fully covered with opaque fabric. All items listed in the "must wear" and "may wear" categories below must meet this basic principle. The student and parent may determine the student's dress and grooming standards provided it complies with the general guidelines set out below. 

1. Students Must Wear, as long as these items do not violate the basic principle above:

• A shirt (with fabric that touches the waistband in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms), AND
• Pants/jeans or the equivalent (for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress or shorts), AND
• Shoes.
• For safety reasons, athletic shoes featuring closed toes, sides, and heels, plus rubber soles with no cleats, elevation, or wheels, are suitable for Physical Education classes at all levels.

2. Student May Wear, as long as these items do not violate the basic principle above:

• Religious headwear, hats, and other head coverings. All headwear must allow for the face and ears (except for religious attire) to be visible to staff and not interfere with the line of sight or distract from the educational setting. Campus staff must be able to identify students in the classrooms and common areas.
• Fitted pants, including opaque leggings, yoga pants, and "skinny jeans." Ripped jeans, as long as underwear is not exposed.
• Tank tops, halter tops, and shirts with spaghetti straps
• Athletic attire

• Appropriate Sleepwear on designated campus days in compliance with guidelines stated within the Purpose & General Guidelines of the PfISD Dress Code.

3. Students Cannot Wear, regardless if it does not violate the basic principle above: 

• Clothing with violent language or images.
•  Images or language depicting drugs, alcohol, any illegal item or activity, or any other substance prohibited under FNCF(LEGAL).
• Clothing with hate speech, profanity, pornography.
• Clothing with images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or marginalized groups.
• Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments (waistbands and straps excluded)
• Any shirt or dress that does not have straps.
• Hoods from a sweatshirt or coat that covers or obscures the face or ears in a manner that prevents the staff from EASILY identifying students for safety reasons.
• Swimsuits (except as required in a class, field trips, or athletic practice see "Extracurricular Activities")
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.
• Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious observance). 

Extracurricular Activities

In cooperation with the sponsor, coach, or another person in charge of an extracurricular activity, the principal may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity. The basic principle above shall be followed.

Dress Code Enforcement

To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently using the requirements below.

School administration and staff shall not have the discretion to vary the requirements in ways that lead to discriminatory enforcement. Campuses may have a more restrictive dress code with approval from the Campus Advisory Council and their Supervisor/Executive Director as long as a more restrictive policy aligns with the "Purpose" defined in the policy. Any campus that modifies the District dress code must submit its written policy to the Supervisor/Executive Director and Student Affairs Office two weeks before the first day of school or before implementation. Additionally, the campus must work with the Communications Department to ensure their plan to inform parents, students, and the community is concise and clear.

Students who violate dress and grooming standards established for an extracurricular activity may be removed or excluded from the activity for a period determined by the principal or sponsor and may be subject to other disciplinary action, as specified in the Student Code of Conduct. [See FO series]

• Students will only be removed from spaces, hallways, or classrooms due to a dress code violation outlined within the “Basic Principle” and “Students Cannot Wear” sections of this code. Students in violation of the “Basic Principle” and “Students Cannot Wear” sections will be provided three (3) options to correct the dress code violation. Students will be asked to:

○ put on their alternative clothing if it is already available at school.

○  wear temporary school clothing that will be provided, for the remainder of the day.If necessary, students' parents may be called during the school day to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day.

• No student should be affected by dress code enforcement because of racial identity, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural or religious identity, household income, body size/type, or body maturity.
• School staff shall not enforce the school's dress code more strictly against transgender and gender nonconforming students than other students.
• PfISD maintains that all students shall be treated with respect and dignity and shall not be publicly shamed or required to display their bodies in front of others (students, parents, or staff) in school. "Shaming" includes, but is not limited to:

• • kneeling or bending over to check attire fit;
  • measuring straps or skirt length;
  • asking students to account for their attire in the classroom or hallways in front of others;
  • calling out students in public or private spaces to include: in hallways, in offices, or classrooms about perceived dress code violations in front of others; in particular, directing students to correct sagged pants that do not expose the entire undergarment, or confronting students about visible bra straps, since visible waistbands and straps on undergarments are permitted; and,
  • accusing students of "distracting" other students with their clothing.

Students who feel subject to discriminatory dress code enforcement should contact the campus Principal or the Student Affairs Department at (512) 594-0046.

Campus Options

Campuses may impose more prescriptive or standard dress code requirements, with review and approval by their Campus Advisory Council and Supervisor/ Executive Director as long as the more prescriptive or standard dress code aligns with the "Purpose" defined in the policy.

Campuses may require a formal uniform with review and approval by their Campus Advisory Council and Supervisor/Executive Director and the board's approval—[See FNCA(LEGAL)].

Exceptions

Exceptions to these dress requirements will be made as necessary to allow students to observe religious customs or beliefs and accommodate medical or health needs.

Effective Date for these Guidelines is:

Tuesday, August 16, 2022 .