JICA

Student Dress Code

The Smithfield Public School District expects all students to dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for school-sponsored events. The responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent/guardian. The school district is responsible for health and safety, as well as for ensuring an accepting and positive school climate. Dress codes and their enforcement should not result in marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.


Basic Requirement: Certain body parts MUST be covered for all students at all times. Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks, and the midriff are fully covered with an opaque fabric. While cleavage is generally acceptable, breasts and nipples should also be covered.


Students MUST wear:

  1. A shirt (with fabric in the front, back, on the sides, under the arms, and over the shoulders), and

  2. Pants/jeans or the equivalent (for example, a skirt, leggings, sweatpants, a dress or shorts), and

  3. Shoes

a. Activity-specific shoe requirements may be required, for example, athletic shoes for PE, closed toe shoes for science labs.

b. At the elementary level, students must wear closed-toe shoes that have a strap in the back. No flip-flops are allowed, since students have recess every day.


As part of the curriculum of a course (industry or occupation specific dress), particular attire may need to be worn in accordance with the spirit of this policy.


Students MAY wear:

  1. Hats facing straight forward or straight backward. Hats must allow the face to be visible to staff, and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff

  2. Religious headwear

  3. Hoodie sweatshirts (hoods may not be worn overhead)

  4. Fitted pants, including opaque leggings, yoga pants, and skinny jeans

  5. Ripped jeans, as long as the basic requirements are met

  6. Tank tops, including those with spaghetti straps

  7. Athletic attire

  8. Visible waistband or straps on undergarments worn under other clothing


Students CANNOT wear:

  1. Items with violent language or images

  2. Items with images or language depicting/suggesting drugs, alcohol, vaping or paraphernalia (or any illegal item or activity)

  3. Bullet proof vest, body armor, tactical gear, or facsimile

  4. Items with hate speech, profanity, pornography

  5. Items with images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or marginalized group.

  6. Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments other than listed above

  7. Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon

  8. Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious observance or as personal protective equipment (PPE))


Dress Code Enforcement

School staff shall consistently enforce the dress code and shall not have discretion to vary the requirements in ways that lead to discriminatory enforcement. Enforcement should be done in a way that respects the dignity and privacy of the individual.


Students in violation of this policy will be provided three options to meet dress code expectations.

  • Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing, if already available at school.

  • Students’ parents may be called to bring alternative clothing for the student.

  • Students will be offered clothing to borrow.


ADOPTED: December 4, 2017

REVISED: August 30, 2021