Dress and Grooming Policies

The dress and grooming of GCSD students shall contribute to the health and safety of the individual, promote a positive educational environment, and not disrupt the educational activities and processes of the school. These standards of dress and grooming apply to all students in the public schools of Gadsden County, unless a specific exemption is granted by the principal. Any request for an exemption shall be made to the principal (GCSD Student Code of Conduct p. 59, See more below).

1. Clothes shall be worn as they are designed. For example, suspenders should be over the shoulders, pants secured at the waist, belts buckled, no underwear as outerwear, and no underwear exposed.

2. Clothing must cover the body from one armpit across to the other armpit and down to approximately mid-thigh (see image to the right). Tops must have straps. Undergarments must
not be viewable. Rips, holes, or tears in clothing must be below mid-thigh.

3. Shoes shall be always worn and should be safe for the school environment. The following
shoes are not acceptable for any GCSD student: cleated shoes or shoes with wheels.

4. Headgear shall not be worn on campus during the school day, unless the headgear is approved
by the principal. Headgear includes, but is not limited to, hats, visors, du-rags, bandanas,
bonnets, hoodies, shower caps, ski mask, etc.

5. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear, and
must be approved by the principal before being worn during the school day.

6. See-through, revealing, or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage
underneath that meets the minimum requirements of this dress code.

7. Gang paraphernalia, garments and/or jewelry, tattoos, or other insignias that display or suggest
sexual, vulgar, drug, alcohol, or tobacco-related wording/graphics or may tend to provoke
violence or disruption in school shall not be worn.

8. Clothing must not state, imply, or depict hate speech or imagery targeting groups based on
race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other
protected class.

9. Clothing and accessories that endanger students or staff shall not be worn. This includes
clothing that obscures the visual identification of a person (unless approved by the principal). The use of a medical mask worn for its intended purpose is permitted.

10. Alternative, elementary and middle schools must wear approved school uniforms. See A below

11. Individual schools are expected to use the state and district dress and grooming guidelines as minimum standards; any adjustments may be made upon approval of the principal's supervisor. The principal at each school reserves the right to determine what appropriate dress is for the school as detailed in these minimum standards.