LINCOLN, Neb. – With the new school year now well underway, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska has turned its attention to the state’s public school dress codes. A new online report card from the civil rights organization gives failing grades to elements of every dress code in the state’s 15 largest public school districts.
The report card focuses on themes across districts, raising concerns about language that the ACLU of Nebraska says has the potential to single out girls and encourage discriminatory discipline. This includes bans on certain tops, length requirements and vague guidelines, such as several districts that have policies requiring students to dress “in a fashion that reflects good taste.”
ACLU of Nebraska Senior Legal and Policy Counsel Scout Richters said the goal of the project is to start conversations.
“The Constitution and federal civil rights law say schools cannot treat students differently based on sex, including in dress codes,” Richters said. "Gendered enforcement of dress codes can subject girls to humiliation and anxiety, force them to miss class time and damage their sense of belonging in school. Black girls in particular face this discrimination more than others. We hope this resource inspires parents and guardians to open conversation with school leaders on how dress codes can better support all students.”
