FILE: GAMB
EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE
Each employee of the Acadia Parish School Board shall be expected to give proper attention to his/her personal appearance as required by work responsibilities. Acadia Parish Schools constitute one of the largest businesses in the parish and the image projected by its employees is an important influence on the degree of public support it receives. An appropriately dressed employee is seen as a more suitable role model. Personal appearance also has direct bearing on the teaching authority, confidence, and self-esteem of teachers, administrators, and staff. Appropriate dress influences the way staff interacts with students and positively affects the general environment. Each employee of the Acadia Parish School Board will contribute to the formation of a positive, professional public image by maintaining high standards of personal appearance through appropriate dress and grooming regardless of job category.
The School Board shall not discriminate against an employee on the basis of a natural, protective or cultural hairstyle. Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle shall include, but is not limited to, afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.
GUIDELINES
Principals, as instructional leaders, shall have the authority to determine what is considered professional attire and in the best interest of instruction.
Dresses, skirts, and split skirts must be of a modest and appropriate length (no more than 2" above the kneecap when standing). Unacceptable length will be dealt with by the school administration.
Walking/dress shorts (no denim) of appropriate length (no more than 2" above the kneecap when standing) are acceptable. However, they should be worn with a jacket, blazer, or vest, and stockings or tights must be worn. Unacceptable length shall be dealt with by the school administration.
Any tight fitting or clinging attire shall be inappropriate for school wear.
Collared shirts shall be required for men and neckties are encouraged.
The only allowable piercing jewelry shall be earrings worn on the ear.
Recreational clothing, warm-up suits, and wind suits shall not be worn, unless the teacher is teaching Physical Education fifty percent (50%) or more during an instructional day.
Appropriate professional footwear shall be required. No rubber or plastic flip-flops or Crocs. Stockings or socks with all footwear are encouraged.
Jeans of any color may not be worn as a part of dress for all employees (maintenance workers, janitors, and bus operators are excluded). On special occasions and/or while on duty, athletic shoes/tennis shoes/sneakers may be worn.
Teachers of special education, physical education, industrial arts, vocational agriculture, and non-clerical support staff shall be required to dress appropriately according to their job description.
Tee-shirts shall be permitted on Spirit Day only. (Spirit Day should be cleared by the immediate supervisor.)
Spirit Day - allowed no more than once a week, no jeans of any color allowed.
It is the responsibility of the principal or supervisor to be aware of inappropriate dress and to discuss dress and grooming expectations with those employees who may require guidance. Examples of inappropriate clothing: see-through clothing; clothing should cover the entire body with exception of arms, legs, and neck up; tight clothing; and low-cut blouses/dresses.
NOTE: The above shall be adhered to each regular scheduled school day, (workshops, regular scheduled/weekend and summer), and during summer school.
Revised: July 10, 2006
Revised: September 12, 2022
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยงยง17:81, 23:332
Board minutes, 6-6-94, 8-6-01, 7-10-06, 9-12-22
Acadia Parish School Board