Policy 506-R Student Clothing and Appearance Regulations

A. Students’ rights to choose their clothing and appearance for school and school-related activities will be protected provided that the clothing: 

1. does not injure people or damage property;

2. does not materially and substantially disrupt or interfere with the educational process or classwork;

3. does not interfere with the requirements of discipline in the operation of the school or school activities,;

4. does not involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others.

 B. Such clothing and appearance includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. clothing appropriate for the weather;

2. clothing and footwear that does not create a health or safety hazard.;

3. clothing appropriate for the activity (i.e. physical education)

4.Hair, including but not limited to hairs  texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.

C. Such clothing and appearance may not include:

1. apparel promoting products or activities that are illegal for use by minors 

2. objectionable emblems, badges, symbols, signs, words, objects or pictures on clothing or jewelry communicating a message that is racist, sexist or otherwise evidences gang membership or affiliation, or approves, advances or provokes any form of discrimination, harassment and/or violence against other individuals. 

3. apparel and accessories that obscure a student’s identity. Masks, face paint, hoods/hats that obscure the student’s face.

D. The building principal may choose to prohibit hats, hoodies, bandanas or headgear of any form (except for medical or religious reasons) or any other reasons identified in the regulations. Principals may also allow individual teachers to prohibit headgear within their classrooms.
 

E. The administration may recommend a form of clothing considered appropriate for a specific event and communicate the recommendation to students and parents or guardians.  A school district or charter school must not prohibit an American Indian student from wearing American Indian regalia, Tribal regalia, or objects of cultural significance at a graduation ceremony.

It is not the intention of this policy to abridge the rights of students to express political, religious, philosophical, or similar opinions by wearing apparel on which messages are stated. Such messages are acceptable as long as they are not lewd, vulgar, obscene, defamatory, and profane and do not advocate illegal behaviors or products (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc), violence or harassment against others.on the basis of protected class status under the Minnesota Human Rights Act; or do not violate school district policies prohibiting discrimination, bullying, violence, harassment, or other harmful activities.

• Adopted: November 11, 2008
• Amended: January 13, 2020
• Amended: August 25, 2021
• Amended: April 14, 2025
• Last Reviewed: April 14, 2025
   

• Policy 506 - Clothing and Appearance