Weapons, including firearms and knives, have become common place upon even our elementary school campuses Students often conceal weapons by wearing clothing, such as jumpsuits and overcoats, and by carrying large bags. The adoption of a schoolwide uniform policy is a reasonable way to provide some protection for students. A required uniform may protect students from being associated with any particular gang. Moreover, by requiring schoolwide uniforms, teachers and administrators may not need to occupy as much of their time learning the subtleties of gang regalia. To control the environment in public schools, to facilitate and maintain an effective learning environment and to keep the focus of the classroom on learning and not personal safety, schools need the authorization to implement uniform clothing requirements for our public school children.
Many educators believe that school dress significantly influences pupil behavior.
This influence is evident on school dressup days and color days. Individual schools may include the reasonable dress code policy as part of its school safety plan, pursuant to Section 35294.1. For purposes of this section, Section 48950 shall apply to elementary, high school, and unified school districts. If a schoolwide uniform is required, the specific uniform selected shall be determined by the principal, staff, and parents of the individual school. A dress code policy that requires pupils to wear a schoolwide uniform shall not be implemented with less than six months- notice to parents and the availability of resources to assist economically disadvantaged pupils.