SJUSD drafts new dress code policy, seeks public input

By Sara Beth Williams–
San Juan Unified School District has drafted a proposal for a revised dress code policy for all its schools, including 12 public schools located in Citrus Heights.

A new draft proposal of the district’s dress code policy was developed in response to concerns brought forward by students and staff regarding “inequitable dress code enforcement” specifically concerning female and minority student populations, according to the district’s website.

During the 2020-21 school year, student listening sessions were held to gather feedback at several schools, including El Camino Fundamental High School, Bella Vista High School and Will Rogers Middle School.

In response to concerns across the district, a student committee was formed, and joined with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) to create surveys for students, staff, and families. According to the district, over 4,800 staff, students, and families have completed the survey to date.

The district said survey responses raised multiple concerns regarding the existing dress code policy, including, wording that exhibited gender bias and discriminatory, exclusionary and racially sensitive language, shaming, and inconsistent enforcement. Concerns about missed class time were also raised.

In the 2022-23 school year, a District Dress Code Committee (DDCC) was formed to draft a revised dress code policy, which can be found on the district’s website.

The dress code committee’s primary goals and points of discussion included examining policy objectives of public school dress codes, examining school discipline policies at different grade levels, and developing a policy that promotes equity, student dignity and student self-determination. The objectives in forming a new policy also included developing a policy that promotes consistent enforcement across all schools in the district.

The committee also examined feedback from community focus groups on the existing dress code and its enforcement, and then presented recommendations to update the dress code policy using that feedback, along with information from dress code policies adopted by other school districts.

A community survey is available on the San Juan school district’s website, where community members can give feedback on the drafted dress code policy. The survey will remain open until May 17.

The district also recently held community meetings April 10 and 11 where they discussed the process of how feedback was collected and offered additional feedback on the draft policy. Another virtual informational meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6 at 6 p.m.

Community members can find out how to participate in the next meeting on the district’s website.