The ACLU recently sent letters to Texas school superintendents expressing the advocacy organization’s stance on gender and other subjects related to dress codes. | Stock photo
The Texas Association of School Boards (TSBA) recently issued guidance to local school boards in relation to a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation expressing concern over the impact of dress codes on students.
The ACLU letter, which was sent to school superintendents around the state, raised concerns related to gender differentiation in dress code and grooming standards, as well as dress code standards that might impact students due to race, ethnicity, religion or other protected designations, according to a press release on the TSBA website.
The TSBA characterizes the ACLU letter as primarily a transparent explanation of that organizations stances as an advocacy group and may not require immediate action from any school boards, according to the post. While TSBA’s guidance for dress codes provides gender-neutral recommendations, legal precedence at this time does permit gender differentiation in dress codes.
Ultimately, the TSBA recommends that boards periodically review and update their policies and address any legal concerns to the school’s attorney.
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