Gibbon Nation,
This is the part one of a two-part News Story on the district's Dress Code and Grooming Policy.
During the last Nebraska Legislative Session, lawmakers passed legislation that mandated the requirement of a Dress Code and Grooming Policy for each school in the state of Nebraska. Legislation requires certain elements in policy but school districts were allowed to strengthen the policy to reflect their specific needs. The Gibbon Public School's Dress Code and Grooming Policy (504.06) was passed by the school board this past summer, and policy is strongly aligned to the legislative mandate.
This news article does not cover the entire policy. Today's article is intended to provide information about the purpose of the policy and the general principles/standards outlined in the policy. It is our hope that having this information now helps parents and students prepare for this legislative mandate and how students should dress beginning this school year.
Dress Code and Grooming Policy (504.06)
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to facilitate and encourage an inclusive and positive learning environment while complying with any applicable health or safety law, rule, regulation, ordinance, and/or resolution. The Gibbon Public School District is committed to promoting inclusivity and respecting the racial and religious diversity of our student body. This policy protects students' appearance and attire associated with race, religion, sex, disability, or national origin, including tribal regalia, natural and protective hairstyles, adornments, or other characteristics. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of effective communication with parents, guardians, and caregivers in their preferred language. Within these limits, the Board of Education believes that the final decision regarding attire and grooming should be a cooperative decision of the student, parent, and administrative staff. Should disagreements arise, the administrative staff shall make the final decision.
General Principles/Standards:
A. Non-Discrimination: The Gibbon Public School District dress code and grooming policy will not discriminate against students based on race, religion, sex, disability, or national origin.
B. Respect for Individuality: Students should not be prohibited from wearing attire, including religious attire, natural and protective hairstyles, adornments, or other attire associated with race, national origin, religion or tribal regalia.
C. Cultural and Religious Attire: Students are allowed to wear religious attire and tribal regalia in accordance with their race, national origin, or religion.
D. Bullying Policy Alignment: The school bullying policy remains in effect and should be consulted where clothing or attire violates it. Clothing should not promote violence, drugs, alcohol, profanity, or hate speech.
E. Appearance: Disruptive of the educational process or endangers the safety and health of the student or others will not be allowed.
We hope you find this information helpful. Please look for the next "News" story when we explain the specific guidelines outlined in the Dress Code and Grooming Policy.
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