Philly schools’ dress code is now a model, with kids allowed to dress in a way that ‘celebrates’ their identities
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia School District has made significant changes to its dress code — affirming students’ right to self-expression, including the right of students to wear their hair in styles they choose.
“Students have the right to dress in a manner that celebrates their racial, cultural, religious, and gender identities, is reflective of their gender expression (including gender neutrality) and allows them to focus on their academic, social and emotional growth,” the district-wide code of conduct now begins.
That’s new. Previously, the code began: “Students are expected to follow their school’s dress code so that their appearance does not constitute a health or safety hazard.” That sentence is still included, but it no longer sets the tone.
The changes throughout the policy are significant, and position the district in the vanguard, said Paige Joki, a lawyer with the Education Law Center who has advocated for such a shift on behalf of students and families.
“It’s an exemplary policy; it really mirrors what research tells us is the best way to support students,” said Joki. “Other schools, including those outside of Pennsylvania, are taking a look to see if this is something they can do, too.”
The dress code spells out protected hairstyles — “braids, locs, puffs, afros, twists, wigs, including styles with elements such as headbands, head wraps, bonnets, barrettes or beads. Students will not be discriminated against on the basis of their hair texture. Discrimination on the basis of protective hairstyle and/or...