Wayne Highlands dress code

We, the undersigned parents, and members of the Wayne Highlands School District community, respectfully request that the District review and revise its current dress and grooming code concerning students' hair and facial hair.

The Wayne Highlands School District's current dress code prohibits certain forms of personal appearance, including unnatural hair colors or patterns, as well as beards and mustaches. These restrictions raise concerns regarding compliance with 22 Pa. Code § 12.11, which recognizes a student's right to govern the style of their hair, including facial hair, subject to legitimate educational, health, or safety concerns.

A student's hairstyle, hair color, and facial hair are forms of personal appearance and individual expression. Students should not be restricted from expressing their individuality through their appearance when their chosen hairstyle or grooming does not interfere with the educational process or create a legitimate health or safety concern.

We believe the Wayne Highlands School District has a responsibility to ensure that its policies comply with Pennsylvania law and protect the rights of its students. Dress and grooming standards should be reasonable, consistent, and based on legitimate educational or safety concerns rather than personal preferences regarding how students should look.

Therefore, we respectfully ask the Wayne Highlands School District to review its current dress and grooming policy and make the necessary changes to ensure that it complies with 22 Pa. Code § 12.11. Specifically, we ask the District to reconsider its restrictions on unnatural hair colors, hair patterns, beards, and mustaches and ensure that students are not disciplined for their appearance when it does not cause a legitimate disruption or safety concern.

Students should be able to attend school in an environment that respects both their education and their individuality. Updating the dress code would help ensure that Wayne Highlands students are treated fairly while allowing the District to maintain appropriate standards for safety, cleanliness, and the educational environment.