Spartanburg School District Five respects students’ rights to express themselves in the way they dress. Student attire should facilitate participation in learning as well as the health and safety of students and the adults that supervise them. All students who attend Spartanburg School District Five are expected to adhere to the Dress Code. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body size/type.

Basic Principle: Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times. Clothes must be worn in such a way that the rear end and private areas are fully covered with opaque (non-sheer) fabric at all times. All items in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this Basic Principle.

1. Students Must Wear:
● A Shirt (with fabric covering from one armpit to the other armpit, with straps, and touches the top of the pants) AND
● Pants/jeans or the equivalent (for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress, or shorts) AND
● Shoes (must be safe for the school environment, no bedroom shoes or slippers unless approved by the principal).

2. Students May Wear:
● Religious headwear.
● Fitted pants, including opaque leggings, yoga pants, and “skinny jeans” as long as the rear end/private areas are covered by the accompanying top. Ripped jeans, as long as underwear, private areas and rear end are not exposed.
● Visible straps on undergarments worn under clothing and above the shoulder.
● Athletic attire.

3. Students Cannot Wear:
● Violent language or images.
● Images or language depicting/suggesting drugs, alcohol, vaping or paraphernalia (or any illegal item or activity).
● Bullet proof vests, body armor, tactical gear, or facsimile.
● Hate speech, profanity, pornography.
● Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or consistently marginalized groups.
● Any clothing that reveals undergarments (visible straps are allowed at the shoulder), rear ends, or private areas.
● Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice).
● Accessories that are considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.
● Any hats, head coverings or hoods (except as a religious observance).

Dress Code Enforcement: School administrators and teachers should be trained to understand the purpose/spirit of the dress code and how to enforce it with the least impact on student learning and self-confidence. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently using the requirements below:

• Students will only be removed from spaces, hallways or classrooms as a result of a dress code violation of the Basic Principles or Section 3 above. Students will be given the opportunity to put on their own alternative clothing or report to a holding area until a parent can bring alternative clothing. Dress Code violations will not be treated as a disciplinary action unless the student a) refuses to cooperate with remediation of the problem; b) violates behavioral rules; or c) becomes a repeat offender of more than 3 Dress Code violations in one school semester.

• Students should not be shamed or required to display their body in front of others in school (including students, parents, or staff). “Shaming” includes but is not limited to:

  • kneeling or bending over to check attire fit;

  • measuring straps or skirt length;

  • accusing students of “distracting” other students with their clothing.

Every effort will be made by school staff and administration to enforce the Dress Code in a way that does not embarrass, degrade or discriminate against any student. Students who feel they have been subject to discriminatory enforcement of the Dress Code should contact their grade level administrator.