Policies & Documentation
Dress Code:
Our values and beliefs:
● All students should be able to dress for school without fear of unnecessary discipline, body shaming, bias or discrimination.
● Individuals are responsible for managing their own personal biases and or perspectives/opinions (distractions) related to others’ choices of clothing.
● All students are treated equitably regardless of their race, age, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socio-economic circumstances, or body type/size.
● Students have a right to wear clothing of their choice that expresses their self-identified gender.
● Students have a right to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.
Guidelines for school dress codes:
● Dress codes must avoid using language that reinforces stereotypes.
● Student dress code enforcement must not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance.
● Schools must maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is required. For example, activity-specific shoe requirements are permitted (e.g., athletic shoes for Physical Education).
● Dress codes must prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that display (but are not limited to) the following: Images, logos or language that portray, ethnic prejudice, racism, sexism, vulgarity, gang-related markings, obscenities, profanity, hate speech, and/or pornography.
● Dress codes must prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that denote, suggest, display or reference alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia, or other illegal conduct or activities.
● Dress codes must prevent students from wearing clothing that exposes genitals, buttocks, and breasts.
● School staff need to be able to explain the dress code and address dress code infractions without using body-shaming language
Brisbane expects that all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for any school-sponsored event. Students have a right to learn in a safe and caring space that is free of bias and discrimination, and have a right to express their individuality respectfully. It is an expectation that student dress choices respect the UGDSB’s intent to promote a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities.
Students must wear:
● A shirt or the equivalent (e.g., sweater etc) with fabric in the front, back and on the sides under the arms, AND
● Pants or the equivalent (e.g. skirt, sweatpants, leggings, dress, shorts), AND
● Shoes or the equivalent (e.g., boots, sandals, etc.). Clothing must fully cover genitals, buttocks, midriffs and breasts with opaque fabric.
Students cannot wear:
● Clothing or accessories containing violent language or images
● Images, logos or language depicting drugs, alcohol or any illegal item or activity
● Images, logos or language that portray: ethnic prejudice, racism, sexism, vulgarity, gang-related markings, obscenities, profanity, hate speech, and/or pornography
● Images, logos or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment
● Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments (visible waistbands and visible straps are allowed)
● Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice)
● Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon (with the exception of religious accessories or articles of faith such as a Kirpan)
● For safety considerations, clothing items must not obscure the face or ears, except as a religious observance.