Dress and Grooming

5511

The Board of Education recognizes that each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of the student’s personal style and individual preferences. The Board will impose its judgement on pupils and parent(s) or legal guardian(s) only when a pupil’s dress and grooming affect the educational program of the school.

Students may not wear clothing or engage in grooming practices that present a health or safety hazard to the individual pupil or to others; materially interfere with schoolwork, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program; cause excessive wear or damage to school property, or prevent the pupil from achieving his/her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.

The Board of Education prohibits pupils from wearing, while on school property, any type of clothing, apparel or accessory which indicates that the pupil has membership in, or affiliation with, any gang associated with criminal activities. The local law enforcement agency will advise the Board, upon request, of gangs which are associated with criminal activities.

The Building Principal shall determine whether the dress or groom of pupils falls within these prohibitions.

Mandatory School Uniform Policy

The Board of Education recognizes that school uniforms promote a safe, focused, and disciplined learning environment. To maintain an environment conducive to learning, the Board has adopted a mandatory school uniform policy in accordance with NJSA 18A:11-7 and 18A:11-8.

All students attending Union City Public Schools shall wear uniforms during school hours and when participating in designated school activities. This policy is designed to foster school unity, reduce peer pressure, minimize disruptions, and ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Pursuant to NJSA 18A:11-8(a) the district recognizes its affirmative duty to assist economically disadvantaged students to remain in compliance with this policy. Families in need of financial assistance should contact the school administration to obtain assistance.

All students are expected to adhere to the school uniform policy at all times. Failure to comply with this policy shall result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Parents/guardians may request an exemption from the uniform policy based on medical or religious reasons. Requests must be submitted in writing to the school principal and include documentation to support the exemption claim. The principal, along with the administration, will review and make decisions on all exemption requests on a case-by-case basis.

This school uniform policy does not prohibit students who participate in nationally recognized youth organizations, which are approved by the Board, from wearing organization uniforms to school on days that the organization has a scheduled meeting.

This policy will be reviewed annually by the administration and the Board of Education to evaluate its effectiveness. Modifications may be made as necessary based on community feedback and administrative recommendations.

N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1, 18A:11-7, 18A:11-8, 18A:11-9

Adopted: 26 July 2005

Revised: 21 November 2024