Gibbon Nation,
As mentioned during "Dress Code and Grooming Policy Part 1," the Nebraska Unicameral passed LB 298 mandating that every school in the state of Nebraska adopt a "Dress Code and Grooming Policy." The legislation specified that by July 1, 2025 the school board of each school district must adopt a written dress code and grooming policy consistent with the model policy created by the Nebraska State Department of Education (NDE) and that policy must be implemented at the commencement of the 2025-26 school year. The model policy was then presented to school districts to review and revise as needed to reflect the needs of their respective school districts, but school districts were expected to adopt a policy consistent with the model policy created by NDE.
This news article does not cover the entire policy. In "Dress Code and Grooming Policy Part 1," we covered the purpose of the policy and shared general principals/standards outlined in policy. In today's article, we will share the specific guidelines that offer guidance on what should and shouldn't be worn at school.
Specific Guidelines - Dress Code and Grooming Policy, 504.06
A. Students will wear appropriate footwear at all times. Elementary students are not allowed to wear flip-flops due to safety concerns. On specific physical education days' ALL students MUST wear athletic/tennis shoes.
B. Clothing that contains printed wording, pictures, or designs that advertise or promote tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, carries any derogatory connotation or language, suggestive statements, or endorses illegal activity is prohibited.
C. Shirts should not show a person's midriff while the person is sitting, stand or reaching. Low-cut tops that reveal cleavage are not acceptable. No undergarments should show. Tops should cover the body from both shoulders to the waist, front, and back. Some examples of prohibited dress include tube tops, halter tops, tank tops, and spaghetti straps.
D. Skirts, shorts, and jeans with holes must be below fingertip length when the arms are at the side. Pants with excessive holes or that expose excessive amounts of skin are not allowed Elementary students may on wear shorts during the first and fourth quarters.
E. Trim fit compression shorts or spandex athletic shorts that are appropriate for athletic activities or physical education classes many not be worn during the instructional day.
F. Chains of any type are not permitted unless worn around the neck.
G. Clothing is prohibited, which implies gang membership or affiliation. Hats, caps, hoods, and bandanas are not to be worn in the building unless for religious or medical purposes.
H. Pants must be worn at the waistline. No undergarments should show.
I. Sunglasses may not be worn in school. This includes being placed on top of the head.
As mentioned earlier in the article, the Dress Code and Grooming Policy will impact students beginning this school year. It is our hope that parents and/or guardians take a few minutes to review the guidelines with their children to ensure a successful experience for students and adults. The school district will spend the year evaluating what is going well and identify areas that may require additional attention and clarification.
WE hope you find this information useful.
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