New East St. Louis School District dress code addresses security, ditches uniforms
East St. Louis High School students will no longer be required to wear a uniform to school when they return for the new year next month, the District 189 Board of Education decided this week.
But any backpack that they and the middle-school students carry to school will have to be see-through to expedite the morning security routine and minimize the risk of weapons entering school buildings.
“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” said Arthur Culver, district superintendent, said in a statement. “Requiring clear backpacks is one action we are taking that will expedite the entry of students into schools in the morning and minimize the risk of weapons and other prohibited items entering our buildings.”
The new backpack policy applies to students at East St. Louis Senior High School, Mason/Clark and Lincoln middle schools and the Bush Alternative Center.
Students are allowed to carry a non-clear pouch or purse no larger than 5 1/2 inches by 8 1/2 inches to hold personal items, such as hygiene products or cellphones, the new policy states.
Instead of uniforms, high school students will have to adhere to a new dress code. Students in the past had been required to wear a polo shirt in a specific color that indicated their grade.
Changes to the dress code were made based on feedback received from students, parents, and the community requesting more flexibility, Culver said.
Culver said school administration checked with teachers and other staff members and analyzed student discipline and attendance records before going forward with the policy change.
For some families, keeping up with enough polo shirts in the correct colors was difficult, he said, while some students asked to wear school spirit wear, rather than their assigned color for four years.
“We anticipate the dress code flexibility will lead to an increase in student attendance at school and a decrease in minor school behavior referrals that centered around student attire,” the statement read.
Culver said the district’s administration may still make adjustments to the dress code if the flexible new rules “disrupt the educational experience or impact student safety.”
The District 189 student handbook spells out a 13-point code for required dress:
Clothes must no promote alcohol, drugs, violence or “other inappropriate images.”
They should not display vulgar language, sexual inuendo, gang or occult references.
Head coverings are to be removed as students enter the building. Hats, coats, bonnets, scarves, bandannas, sweat bands, and sunglasses may not be worn in the building during the school day.
Hair styles, dress and accessories that pose a safety hazard are not permitted in the shop, laboratories, or during physical education.
Clothing with holes, rips, tears, and clothing that is otherwise poorly fitting, showing undergarments and/or skin may not be worn at school. Ripped pants or jeans are only allowed if leggings are used underneath to cover skin. No tank tops.
The length of shorts or skirts must be appropriate for the school environment. Students’ skirt hems must come to the top of their knees. A 2 inch hem is allowed provided the student is wearing solid black tights, jeggings, or leggings. Skin-tight attire such as tube dresses, liquid pants, jeggings and leggings are not allowed to be worn alone.
Pants or jeans must be worn at the waist so that undergarments and midriff skin are not visible. If a belt is needed to secure pants at the waist, it should be used.
Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times, including closed-toe shoes with a backing. That means no high heels, slippers or flip flops.
No accessories with sharp or pointed protrusions.
Jackets, hoodies and sweaters must comply with the dress code. Hoods may not be worn inside.
Students must follow CDC or IDPH guidance concerning face coverings when enforced.
Students should remain in dress code for the duration of the school day, except during remote learning.
If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the building principal will make the final decision.
“We are confident that high school students will respond well to the greater flexibility, as it allows them to express their personality, while still adhering to the dress code expectations,” said Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, executive director of communications for District 189.
Students in preschool through eighth grades will still have to wear the required uniform. They include navy blue, khaki or black slacks, skirts, jumpers or shorts; white, black, navy blue or powder blue shirts; and closed-toe shoes with a backing in any color, the handbook states.
This story was originally published July 21, 2022 at 4:57 PM.
