Salem-Keizer dress code gets fashion makeover
SALEM, Ore. (KOIN) — The dress code in the Salem-Keizer School District got a fashion makeover.
District officials said a new dress code, which would look nothing like the previous code — would be in place before the start of the new school year, and they unveiled the details earlier this week.
The overview is “certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times.” All students must wear a shirt, shoes and either pants, jeans, skirt, sweatpants, leggings, dress or shorts.
Students can wear hats, religious head coverings, hoodies, pajamas, tank tops and athletic attire.
But they can’t wear clothes with violent images or language, gang-affilated clothes, hate speech, pornography, profanity or an accessory that could be considered dangerous or used as a weapon.
Read: New dress code policy at Salem-Keizer Schools
The dress code was an issue during the last school year in the Salem-Keizer district. Parents and students testified at school board hearing about the previous restrictions.
A group of teen girls lobbied the school board to loosen the dress code by explaining their concerns girls were sometimes shamed publicly by school employees for what they wore — bra straps and shorts measured in front of others — or forced to fix their clothing.
“I’ve seen a teacher call out a studnet through the hall in front of everybody and tell them how inappropriate their outfit is,” student Addison Campbell said. “It’s really embarrassing. They have to call their parents or duct tape their legs” to cover up holes in their ripped jeans.
District officials heard their voices and implemented the changes on July 31. This new policy is similar to the Portland Public Schools dress code.