ST. GEORGE – The Washington County School District is proposing a change to its dress code policy and invites public comment.
Formally known as WCSD Policy 2200, the dress code was adopted in 1998 and revised four times, in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2006. It is designed to enforce class-appropriate attire among all public school students in Washington County.
The new proposed policy makes several minor changes in “dress and grooming standards” and specifically relaxes restrictions on hair. Section 3.4.1 of the current code states that “Hair, including beards, mustaches and sideburns, should be groomed so that it is neat and clean. Extreme hairstyles are prohibited. Hair color should be within the spectrum of color that hair grows naturally,” while the revised section 3.1.3 states, “…Students must also avoid grooming that is offensive, represents a risk or threatens student safety (extremes in body piercings, hair styles and hair colors may be considered a distraction or disruption.).”
The school district, its dress code and restrictions on hair faced scrutiny in February 2013, when Hurricane Middle School student Rylee MacKay, 15, was suspended from school for dying her hair a reddish-brown shade that was purportedly distracting and in violation of the code. MacKay’s suspension and subsequent battle with the school district received nationwide media attention but ended the following week when school administrators determined that her hair had returned to a more natural and acceptable shade.
Community members are encouraged to read and compare the current and proposed policies, then offer feedback.
WCSD Policy 2200 (currently in force)
Ed. Note: This is a developing story. It is anticipated that the sequel in progress will deliver further insight on the issue presented as the Washington County School District and other entities have representatives available to comment.
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“Natural and acceptable”? Only in Utah
There is no reason to change the code or even have one. It isn’t enforced at Dixie Middle School
When in the … is WCSD gonna wake up and realize they’re now a mostly urban school district where most teens are gonna sport urban “fads” and “swag”?!! It’s 2013 for godsake, focus on teaching and real issues like bullying, racism and singling out students by administrators!!!
Ed. ellipsis
Hahaha NICE, so true, couldn’t have said it better!! Can’t keep kids in the dark ages in this day and age – especially when society is based heavily on fashions, trends and individuality.
That Hurricane MS incident was HILARIOUS AND EMBARASSING that it made national headlines and quite frankly, should’ve made it to Jay Leno! If that didn’t shake the district, I don’t know what will. Word of advice to the district: Keep up with the times and realize your restrictions are very dated and not all children are of “modest” LDS dress.
I understand “extremes”, but really the only distraction here are the bullying/singling out by the school district administrators! Just respect me as a parent, teach my kid and respect his individuality !
I am just learning of these issues in schools now with hair color and the color red being scrutinized? As a natural redhead this worries me a great deal, and it screams of possible prejudice against red hair. While yes red hair is rare, there are many natural redheads of many different shades. It’s also hard for a beautician to get red dye to look very natural it takes a lot of work to get the shades just right. I think the school should keep this in mind that there may be natural redheads out there, that are very offended by schools sending kids home with red hair dye! You can’t and you WON’T get rid of us redheads no matter how hard you try! We are here to stay and not going extinct any time soon!
Also keep in mind that for your natural redheaded children that are more than likely already being teased for their hair shade by bullies, well these kind of incidences could make these scenarios all the more worse. Here I thought schools were starting to pay attention to bullying a little bit better, but this will just make it harder for redheaded children.