FILE:  GAMB

EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE

It is of paramount importance that the employees of the Bossier Parish School Board set good examples for students in conduct, manners, dress, and grooming.  All personnel should recognize that they are role models for the students, and they are being observed by the students, parents, and community at all times.  To have their respect, employees must dress and conduct themselves in a professional manner.  Employee actions and demeanor will be reflected in the conduct of the students.  Therefore, this policy is applicable to all school system personnel, including substitutes and volunteers.

DRESS AND PERSONAL GROOMING

Employees are expected to be guided in their grooming habits by what is most generally accepted in the business and professional world.  Employee dress and grooming shall not detract from the learning/educational environment of students’ participation in classes, school programs or other school-related activities.  Extremes in style and fit in employee dress and extremes in style of grooming shall not be permitted.  Building administrators and principals shall be authorized to use their discretion in determining extremes in styles of dress and grooming and what is appropriate and suitable for School Board employees.  No employees shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, blade, symbols, sign, or other things which are affiliated with drugs, alcohol, violence, or gang-related activities.  Policies regarding dress and grooming stress the importance of reducing distractions that inhibit learning and are addressed in an attempt to enhance the learning environment.

The School Board shall not discriminate against an employee on the basis of a natural, protective or cultural hairstyle.  Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle shall include, but is not limited to, afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.

This policy is not intended to usurp employees’ rights to dress as they please; however, discretion and common sense call for avoidance of any extreme dress that would interfere with the normal educational process.  Principals shall be expected to counsel employees or other personnel assigned to their school on appearance and conduct.

Revised:  August 18, 2022

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 23:332

Board minutes, 8-18-22

Bossier Parish School Board