Administrative Procedure 5152 - System-Wide Student Dress Code

I. Purpose

To provide guidelines and procedures governing a student dress code in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS).

II. Policy

The Prince George’s County Board of Education (Board) requires that students attending PGCPS dress appropriately and in a way that is consistent with learning being a priority. To that end, a student dress code shall set forth the particular standards that are to be maintained in an administrative procedure. (Board Policy 5152)

III. Background

The Board at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 2, 1996, adopted the report as well as approved the recommendations of the Dress Code Task Force. The following System-Wide Dress Code for Students was approved:
1. System-Wide Dress Code for Students:
  1. Head
    1. ) Headdresses can be worn indoors for religious or health reasons only.
  2. Shirt
    1. ) Shirts and blouses should be continuous from neckline to waist. The entire mid-section should not show. No tank tops and muscle shirts.
    2. ) No clothing with vulgar language, obscene pictures, weapons, drugs/alcohol or drug paraphernalia and tobacco products.
    3. ) No identifiable gang/crew clothing or paraphernalia.
    4. ) No see-through clothing.
  3. Skirts, Dresses, and Shorts
    1. ) Skirts, dresses, shorts, and spandex skirts should be approximately six (6) inches below the buttocks, or no shorter than fingertip level.
  4. Pants
    1. ) Pants should be secured at waist: no sagging below waist to expose undergarments.
This System-wide Student Dress Code requires certain standards from students regarding school attire. It is intended to be administrative in nature, and to provide broad guidelines for its implementation.
The philosophy, procedures, and other elements of the Student Dress Code provide broad guidelines for schools. As such, there is a recognized distinction in application of the Dress Code as it applies to students of differing ages and maturity. Administrators are to give special attention to the age and maturity of the student in question. Reasonable and prudent judgment should guide administrators in how they implement and enforce the Student Dress Code. The following are to be used as guidelines only:
1. Elementary - Grades K-6
  Sound, fair, and equitable judgment would suggest that administrators exercise flexibility in dealing with the Student Dress Code at elementary school level, taking into consideration the age and maturity level of the students.
2. Secondary - Grades 7-12
  As students progress through middle and high school, it is reasonable to assume that their increasing maturity carries with it greater responsibility for their actions. Administrators should use reasonable and prudent judgment in enforcement of the Student Dress Code.
PGCPS is committed to preparing students for their futures in college, careers, and the global workforce, and the professional expectations in these spaces. PGCPS’ intention is to promote a safe and positive school culture for all students, while also celebrating students who appropriately express their individuality through their dress or appearance during the school day and at school-sponsored events.

IV. Procedures

As part of the orientation to the new school year for students, all principals and appropriate administrators should share the requirements of the Student Dress Code with all students and parents/guardians, and occasionally during the school year as needed. The System-wide Student Dress Code should be included in each school’s student handbook and publicized annually in school and parent newsletters and other publications.
1. When possible, it is strongly encouraged to inform parents/guardians and students about the Student Dress Code before the school year begins
The intention of the Student Dress Code is to seek compliance from students, but implementation of the Code must avoid keeping students out of class. This may necessitate admitting students to school whose dress is not in compliance with the Student Dress Code, possibly retaining them in the office for a short period of time, and calling the parent/guardian to bring a change of clothing.
1. Students cannot be suspended, “sent home,” or excluded from school for a dress code violation. PGCPS supports schools using other consequences aligned to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook to enforce dress code violations.
2. School Resource Officers should not be enforcing the dress code.
Reasonable and prudent judgment should be utilized by school administrators in the enforcement of the System-wide Student Dress Code. Students will not be disciplined or otherwise penalized for failing to adhere to the dress code.
Fair and Equitable Treatment
1. School principals, administrators, teachers and other staff are expected to apply the dress code consistently, fairly, and equitably with all students. The dress code supports equal educational access and is written in a manner that does not discriminate based on students’ race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy or parenting status, family structure, ability (cognitive, social/emotional, and physical), veteran status, genetic information, age, immigration or citizenship status, socioeconomic status, language, or any other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations.
2. Thus, the dress code must be enforced equally regardless of a student’s identity.
  1. For example, students should never be told that they are violating the dress code because of their body type, body size, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion, or any stereotypes about these personal characteristics.
  2. All students should be able to dress comfortably for school without fear of body shaming.
3. Students have the right to wear their hair in any style they choose.
4. Schools shall not require students to wear or not wear specific attire based on their personal characteristics.
  1. For example, schools shall not prohibit students who identify as male from wearing skirts, jewelry, or nail polish.
  2. Schools shall not require students who identify as male or female to wear different uniform or graduation attire.
Schools may choose to have over-sized T-shirts available to cover the student’s clothing which is not in compliance with the Student Dress Code, when a parent/guardian cannot bring a change of clothing.
Students shall have the right to dress in accordance with their gender identity, within the constraints of this student dress code administrative procedure.
The System-wide Student Dress Code should be shared with a school’s PTA/PTSA/PTO on an annual basis.
A sample letter to parents/guardians is included as Attachment A. Schools may use this letter or develop a similar one at the local school level.
Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing, usually for safety reasons, while participating in classes such as physical education, shop, chemistry, etc., or in curricular or extracurricular classes or activities such as band, choir, dance, drama, theater, or sports.

V. Monitoring and Compliance

The school Principal is responsible for the implementation of this administrative procedure and for reviewing the dress code with their staff, students, and parents/guardians.

VI. Related Administrative Procedures

VII. Maintenance and Update of This Administrative Procedure

This administrative procedure originates with the Division of Student Services and will be updated as needed.

VIII. Cancellations and Supersedures

This administrative procedure cancels and will supersede the version dated September 4, 2018.

IX. Effective Date

November 20, 2025