Statement of Policy

The Peel District School Board supports all schools in their expectations of appropriate student dress. It is recognized that schools have existing student dress codes that can serve as excellent models. This policy was developed following consultation with parents/guardians through their school councils and is in accordance with Regulation 298 s.23(1)(f), the Safe Schools Act, 2000 s.302(5) and the Human Rights Code.

Requirements

Student Dress Code

1. The principal, in consultation with the school council, shall develop a student dress code consistent with the Board policy, the provisions of the Code of Conduct and the Human Rights Code and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
2. The Student Dress Code ,shall include:

• Statement of Principles
• Specific expectations regarding inappropriate apparel .
• Mandatory Compliance for all students
• Explanation of terms

3. The Student Dress Code shall be published and distributed to students and parents or guardians at the beginning of each school year.

Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform

The principal, in consultation with the school council, may initiate the process of establishing a Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform.

The following process must be followed:

1. Principals will consult with the Superintendent of Schools
2. School council must determine if any interest exists in the school community through communication with parents or guardians, students and staff
3. Interest must be indicated in writing and represent 66% of the families enrolled in the school
4. If there is not sufficient interest, no further action will be taken during that school year
5. If the process indicates that interest does exist in establishing a Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform, a representative committee including parents or guardians, staff, students and school administration will be established
6. The purpose of this committee will be to:

• .Consider implications of introducing a Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform including affordability
• Develop an action plan
• Determine whether the adoption of a Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform is supported by 80% of the families enrolled in the school

7. The action plan must include the following:

• Process for data collection
• Communication plan
• Clear voting procedures
• A strategy to deal with affordability
• An implementation timeline
• An understanding that implementation is premised on voluntary compliance .A process for the acquisition of apparel, if necessary
• A review and monitoring process which parallels the same process that led to the decision to adopt the Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform

8. The school council will share the information gathered with the school community including a description of the proposed change
9. If the decision-making process meets the minimum standard of 80% of the families enrolled in the school, the school will implement a Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform as outlined in the action plan
10. If the decision-making process does not meet the minimum standard of 80% of the families enrolled in the school, the issue will not be studied for a period of three (3) years.

Explanation of Terms

Student Dress Code is defined as the standard of student dress established in consultation with the school council, consistent with Board Policy and the Education Act and Regulations.

Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform is defined as the standard of student dress in terms of prescribed apparel as determined and adopted by the school in consultation with the school council and supported in writing by 80% of the families enrolled in the school.

Inappropriate Apparel includes, but is not restricted to logos, saying and pictures that address/display:
a) Sexual content
b) Substance abuse
c) Violence
d) Profanity
e) Inappropriate references to nationality, race or gender.

Voluntary Compliance is defined as the acceptance of the Code for Formal Student Dress or School Uniform without the requirement for monitoring, enforcement or consequences for non-compliance.

Mandatory is defined as the requirement. Monitoring, enforcement and consequences are applied to all students to ensure compliance.

Approved December 11, 1979 Revised June 10' 1986
Revised September 8, 1987 Revised December 13, 1988 Revised August 271 1991 Revised June 9, 1992
Revised June 13, 1995
Revised January 1, 1998 (to re{1ect change in Board name) Revised June 271 2000
Revised June 12, 2001 (replaces former Policy #48- Discipline Policy)