The Legal and Policy Challenges of Student Dress and Grooming Codes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities - Paperback

by Todd A. Demitchell (Author)

Since the 1960s, school rules and regulations concerning apparel and hair have been the subject of litigation in the federal courts. Most of this litigation involves students' assertions that their clothing and hairstyle choices are forms of expression that are protected by the First Amendment. In some cases, students have argued that school dress and grooming codes discriminate against them based on their gender or their racial or ethnic identity. I Got Dress Coded explores court cases, policies, and research on student appearance and dress codes. The impact of Constitutional protections of student speech on sexual orientation, politics, weapons, drugs, and alcohol are explored as well as restrictions targeting female students and prohibitions on student appearance that reflects a student's racial and ethnic heritage.

Author Biography

Todd A. DeMitchell served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent for 18 years in the public schools before joining the faculty at the University of New Hampshire where he is currently Professor Emeritus of Education Law & Labor. He was the John & H. Irene Peters Endowed Professor of Education, the Lamberton Endowed Professor of Justice Studies, and was named Distinguished University Professor.