The LUHSD Governing Board believes that appropriate dress and grooming by district employees contribute to a productive learning environment and model positive behavior. During school hours and at school activities, employees shall maintain professional standards of dress and grooming that demonstrate their high regard for education, present an image consistent with their job responsibilities and assignment, and not endanger the health or safety of employees or students. All employees shall be held to the same standards unless their assignment provides for modified dress as approved by their supervisor.
(cf. 4118 - Dismissal/Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
(cf. 4119.25/4219.25/4319.25 - Political Activities of Employees)
(cf. 4218 - Dismissal/Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
(cf. 5132 - Dress and Grooming)
All clothing shall be neat, clean and acceptable in repair and appearance sufficient to be worn within a work setting. Any articles of clothing or shoes that present a health or safety hazard to an employee or are disruptive to the educational environment are not acceptable. No clothing or accessories may be worn that depict alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or firearms. Attire may not express or show profanity, obscenity, violence, sexual innuendo, defamation of any ethnic, religious, or social groups or display any saying or picture that would be disruptive to normal school activities. All clothing, shoes and apparel shall be in good repair. Shoes must be worn at all times. Clothing must be worn as originally intended. Dresses, skirts, skorts and shorts shall not be shorter than mid-thigh. Administrative personnel have final say as to what may or may not be appropriate and will apply fairly to everyone.
Unacceptable clothing:
Jogging suits, sweat pants, lycra/spandex shorts or pants, leggings
Halter tops, bare-midriff or bare-back tops
Off the shoulder attire
See through clothing, including fish-net
Low cut tops
Unhemmed or frayed jeans/pants or pants with holes
Flip-flops
Body piercing, tattoos, make up, jewelry or hair color or styles that are distracting or disruptive
Hats (unless worn for health reasons, or work primarily outside)
Dress Code may be modified for sports, field trips and other outdoor activities as deemed necessary and appropriate by the site Administrator.
Accommodations for medical or religious reasons may be requested in writing and requires review by the Director of Human Resources and approval from the Superintendent.
For safety reasons, staff who work in Maintenance, Grounds, Transportation, Food Service and Campus Security shall wear clothing or assigned uniforms, head coverings and footwear appropriate for their work environment as established by their Manager/Director/Administrator.
The district shall allow employees to appear and dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. (Government Code 12949)
(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
(cf. 4030 - Nondiscrimination in Employment)
(cf. 4119.11/4219.11/4319.11 - Sexual Harassment)
The district shall not discriminate against employees based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, including, but not limited to, braids, locks, and twists. (Government Code 12926)
The district shall not dismiss an employee, discriminate against an employee in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or refuse to hire a job applicant on the basis of religious dress or grooming practices. (Government Code 12926, 12940)
This policy shall be presented to employees upon employment, through the employee handbook or other appropriate means, and may be periodically reviewed with all employees as necessary.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
35160 Authority of governing boards
35160.1 Broad authority of school districts
GOVERNMENT CODE
3543.2 Scope of representation
12926 Definitions
12940 Unfair employment practices
12949 Dress standards, consistency with gender identity
COURT DECISIONS
San Mateo City School District v. PERB (1983) 33 Cal. 3d 850
Domico v. Rapides Parish School Board (5th Cir. 1982) 675 F.2d 100
East Hartford Education Assn. v. Board of Education (2d Cir. 1977) 562 F. 2d 838
Finot v. Pasadena Board of Education (1967) 250 Cal.App.2d 189
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD DECISIONS
Santa Ana Unified School District (1998) 22 PERC P29, 136
Inglewood Unified School District (1985) 10 PERC P17, 000
Management Resources:
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING PUBLICATIONS
Transgender Rights in the Workplace
WEB SITES
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing: https://www.dfeh.ca.gov
Public Employment Relations Board: http://www.perb.ca.gov
Policy LEMOORE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: November 14, 2019 Lemoore, California