Dress Code

The Gadsden City School Board recognizes that dress and grooming affect the behavior of students and that there are sanitation and safety factors directly related to proper dress and grooming.

The manner in which a student dresses for school each day is primarily the responsibility of the student and his or her parents. However, when a student’s style of dress or appearance presents a danger, causes an interruption of the instructional program, or violates the dress code he or she will be denied class admission until the condition is corrected. Therefore, the Board establishes the following expectations for student dress and appearance in order that school administrators, teachers, and parents will have clear dress and grooming guidelines to ensure that rules and discipline can be enforced consistently.

Specific Dress Regulations:

  • Good personal hygiene is to be observed at all times. Proper undergarments and shoes are mandatory. (House slippers are not suitable.)
  • Head apparel will not be worn inside buildings.
  • Nose, lip, or other body piercing other than earrings will not be allowed. No excessive ear piercing. No exaggerated accessories to include but not limited to: large loop earrings; large, long, and heavy chains. No decorative dental appliances (whether permanent or temporary) or decorative contact lenses will be allowed.
  • Sunglasses and colored shades will not be worn inside buildings.
  • No see-through, backless, or strapless shirts; no spaghetti straps or muscle shirts; no midriff or tube tops will be allowed. Tops made from spandex, mesh, or fishnet will not be allowed. Sports bras cannot be worn as outerwear on school campus. No part of the bra or any undergarment should be visible at any time.
  • Tight-fitting garments such as bike shorts, exercise pants, or stretch pants should not be worn. Sleeping pants are considered unsuitable. Pants with holes in inappropriate places will not be allowed. No underwear should be visible at any time.
  • NO SAGGING PANTS. All shirts must be within six (6) inches of the hipline (waistline) and belts must be worn.
  • All shorts, skirts, skorts, or dresses must come to or extend below the tips of the fingers.
  • Beachwear and/or recreational (exercise) clothing are inappropriate school dress.
  • Clothing must not contain any writing, drawing, labels, or decals which could be offensive to others. No clothing will be allowed that displays antisocial, immoral, or illegal behavior nor should clothing promote products which students may not legally buy, such as alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.
  • All oversized jackets or coats made for outdoor wear such as starter jackets, overcoats, etc. must be placed in the locker first thing in the morning. With the instructor’s permission, lightweight jackets and sweaters will be allowed in class.
  • In addition to articles previously mentioned: accessories, backpacks (must be clear or mesh and left in the locker upon arrival), notebooks, patches, haircuts
  • Must not display or promote racial/ethnic slurs/symbols; gang, satanic, or occult affiliations; violence or mutilation, vulgar, subversive or sexually suggestive language; or products such as alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
  • Any student’s appearance that causes a disruption to the school climate will not be allowed in school.
  • At the high school level, cheerleaders and dance team members will be allowed to wear uniforms with opaque tights on game days. At the high school level it is believed that such a practice will help foster school spirit, as well as make others aware of athletic events.
  • Hair should be kept in an appropriate manner conducive to the education environment. No spiked, dyed, or shaven head patterns will be allowed.
  • The Principal has the authority to add or delete any of the above regulations as emergency problems or concerns arise.

Evaluations of dress not covered by the fifteen (15) specific regulations will be done on an individual basis through referral to a counselor or principal. School “Dress Up” days are provided for in the regular calendar of activities during the year on a planned basis. The use of school time for initiation days by groups or organizations not sponsored by the school is prohibited.