In preparation of our students for college, career and life, and in order to build character and foster respect among students, the Lansing School District sets expectations for student dress that creates a warm and welcoming environment for every student.
The primary responsibility for a student's choice in attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). Our dress code policy aims to protect the health and safety, religious/spiritual expression and medical needs of students. Restrictions on student dress must be necessary to support the overall educational goals of the school and must be explained within the dress code.
This student dress code shall not be interpreted or enforced in any manner that conflicts with discrimination or harassment because of the student's race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any legally protected status.
The student dress code requires the following:
- A top (shirt/sweater/blouse) of opaque (non-see-through) fabric 2.
- A bottom (pant, skirt, shorts, dress) of opaque (non-see-through) fabric 3.
- Shoes
- Appropriate undergarments that are not visible. Students are free to wear specific apparel for medical purposes or as a part of a personal religious or spiritual practice as applicable.
Restrictions
- Clothing and/or jewelry must not contain words or symbols that are gang- related, sexually suggestive, obscene or promote illegal behavior.
- Clothing and/or jewelry must not contain any advertisement or display of words or symbols associated with alcohol, illegal drugs or tobacco.
- Footwear that does not support the front and back of the foot, such as flip-flops or athletic slides are discouraged due to safety reasons.
Dress Code Violations
Students should be able to choose their attire for school and participate in the educational environment without fear of exclusionary discipline. Enforcement of this dress code should not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance. Dress code enforcement shall be carried out with clarity, consistency and should result in equitable outcomes across the school and district.
Violations of the dress code policy will be addressed as Level 1 offenses through the district’s progressive discipline policy, with minimal disruption to the student’s instructional time. Questions from parents or students about the appropriateness of clothing should be directed to the school principal or the Office of School Culture. The school principal has the authority to designate certain days as school-wide spirit days with reasonable adjustments to the dress code and has the authority to interpret the dress code for the school to make a case-by-case determination of the appropriateness of a student’s dress and grooming when necessary.
