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'Gender neutral' dress code adapted by DoD schools
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has announced a new “gender-neutral” student dress code. The policy change, set to take effect on July 1, applies to all DoDEA schools in the United States, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Pacific, and Europe.
The revised rules, designed to allow students to express themselves while maintaining a safe and orderly environment, require students to wear clothing that covers their shoulders to mid-thigh. Tops must have sleeves, with the exception of tanks or spaghetti straps permitted for school-sponsored formal events. Solid clothing that is not transparent and fully covers the top and bottom from armpit to mid-thigh is mandated. Additionally, safe footwear, including open-toed shoes with a heel strap, is required.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Defense Department schools adopt new gender-neutral dress code<a href="https://t.co/FrZ5lZgbFn">https://t.co/FrZ5lZgbFn</a></p>— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) <a href="https://twitter.com/starsandstripes/status/1660277453808345089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Gone are the days of measuring hemline distances or shorts length, but miniskirts and short shorts are still prohibited as they do not meet the mid-thigh requirement. The dress code aims to promote respect for learning and establish a common identity among students, according to the DoDEA announcement.
DoDEA's public affairs officer, Will Griffin, emphasized the need for a consistent dress code that is easily understood by students, parents, teachers, and administrators. The highly mobile student population often transitions between public school districts and DoDEA schools, necessitating an equitable dress code that aligns with national standards.
Some items and clothing styles are still not allowed, such as clothing with language or images promoting violence, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Curse words, illegal items or activities, and any content that is obscene, or derogatory towards specific groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or religion are also prohibited. Generally, wearing bedroom slippers is not permitted unless there is specific authorization for certain reasons or special occasions.
The development of the new dress code involved collaboration between the DoDEA's Education Policy Division, Civil Rights Steering Committee, and diversity, equity, and inclusion specialists. Input was solicited from students, parents, school leadership, and teachers, resulting in 467 comments that helped shape the revised dress code. The process took approximately one year to complete.
DoDEA schools have implemented a new "gender-neutral" dress code that aims to standardize regulations and promote self-expression. Exceptions to the dress code can be requested by schools, but students who violate it may face corrective actions determined by the DoDEA, including removal from class, counseling, and covering up the offending clothing item. The goal of the dress code is to create a balanced approach that fosters self-expression while ensuring a productive learning environment for all students.
