DeSoto Independent School District enacted a uniform-based dress code at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year inclusive of a solid color polo-style shirt or button-down shirts and solid color uniform bottoms. The use of uniforms supports the quick and easy identification of visitors and supports the district’s overall safety and security efforts. The district will continue its use of uniforms for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
The DeSoto ISD student dress code was developed by district administration in alignment with DeSoto ISD Board Policies (FNCA Legal and Local). The district’s dress code is designed to promote appropriate grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, minimize safety hazards, and help to maintain a positive learning climate. Student Dress Code guidelines are for ALL Elementary and Middle School campuses, Choice Programs, and High School. Students and parents may determine a student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the following:
BACKPACKS
Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, DeSoto ISD will implement a clear backpack policy for students in grades six through 12.
Members of the DeSoto ISD school community have the opportunity to purchase a district-branded backpack.
Click here to purchase clear district-branded backpacks
TOPS/SHIRTS
Allowed
- Solid color green, gold, black, white, or gray shirt with collar; Small logo (1 inch or less) located on the chest is acceptable; Long sleeve or short sleeve polo or button up shirt is acceptable.
- All shirts/blouses/tops must cover cleavage, the entire back and midriff. The middle section (midriff) must remain covered at all times including during reasonable movements.
- The layering of shirts or tops is acceptable provided the combination of clothing meets the dress code standards throughout the school day.
Not Allowed
- Sleeveless, tanks/camis, tube or halter tops
- Crop tops or low-cut shirts
- Lewd or inappropriate text/graphics
- Tops or shirts with holes in them
- Transparent and/or see-through material is considered unacceptable unless worn over another article of clothing that meets dress code.
BOTTOMS
Allowed
- Black, khaki, gray, navy, or olive pants, shorts, capris, skirts, jumpers; Shorts at least fingertip length; Cargo pants; Cargo shorts at least fingertip length; Skirts and jumpers at least knee length all the way around; A belt if needed to prevent pants from dragging or sagging; pants must be worn at the natural waist
- Shorts or skirts must be no shorter than 2 inches from the top of the knee.
- Dresses, skirts, skorts, and shorts length must be measured from the top of the slit.
- Spandex, tights, leggings/jeggings, and yoga style clothing are allowed only if they are worn under pants, shorts, skorts, dresses, and skirts that are the length of a horizontal ID card from the knee all the way around.
Not Allowed
- Wind pants, yoga pants, athletic pants/shorts, sweat pants, or knit jogger pants
- Leggings or tights may not be worn as pants
- Jeans and pants with holes or frayed material, which reveals any area of skin or undergarments above fingertip length.
- Skirts that do not fit at the waistline.
- Pajamas, bathrobes, and/or sleepwear.
- Visible underwear.
- Visible sliding/biking/compression shorts.
- Gym uniforms/athletic shorts.
SHOES
Allowed
- Shoes must be worn at all times.
- Shoes must have a closed-toe and a closed-heel.
Not Allowed
- Stiletto heels
- Open-toe and/or Open-heel
- Shoes with wheels
- Steel-toe boots/shoes
- Slippers, house shoes, sandals or flip flops
OUTERWEAR: SWEATERS, SWEATSHIRTS, JACKETS, COATS, HOODIES
Allowed
- Any color of outerwear. Outwear must be appropriately sized. Our standardized colors are preferred.
- Solid color green, gold, black, white, or gray collared shirt must be worn under sweaters, cardigans, hoodies, or sweatshirts.
Not Allowed
- Lewd or inappropriate text/graphics
- No hoods are allowed on the head while inside the building
HATS, BASEBALL CAPS, HEADWRAPS, SUNGLASSES, BLANKETS
Allowed
Not Allowed
- Sock hats (only permitted outdoors)
- Bonnets
- Bandanas
- Sunglasses (unless medical documentation is provided or administrator approved)
- Blankets or throws
- Caps, hats, berets, head scarfs (unless for medical or religious reasons), hoods (hoodie), Du rags, kerchiefs, or visors.
Please note: DeSoto ISD will prohibit backpacks the last week before winter break, the day before spring break, and the last two weeks of the spring semester.
Campus administration has final judgment on whether or not a student is in compliance with the dress code. DeSoto ISD believes that school performance and student success are enhanced by appropriate dress and good grooming. Students are expected to be in dress code beginning on the first day of school. Violations of the dress code shall be handled at the campus level.
If the principal determines that a student’s grooming or clothing violates the school’s dress code, the student will be given an opportunity to correct the problem at school and return to the classroom. If the problem cannot be corrected at school, the principal will work with the student and parent to obtain an acceptable change of clothing for the student in a way that minimizes loss of instructional time.
The student dress code does not prohibit principals from allowing extracurricular groups to wear uniforms on days stipulated by the principal or for special celebrations which involve dress such as crazy hat day or 50s day, etc.
Spirit Fridays
Allowed
- Single color dark blue or black hemmed denim jeans may be worn with DeSoto ISD spirit shirt or solid color green, gold, black, white, or gray collared shirt
- Jean shorts at least fingertip length
- Jean skirts at least knee length all the way around
- A belt if needed to prevent pants from dragging or sagging
Not Allowed
- Sagging or draggin jeans, cutoffs and free from holes, rips, cutouts or patches
- Leggings, “jeggings” or tights worn as pants
- Jeans with patterns, designs or colored denim
Choice Programs
Students enrolled in the district’s choice programs may have additional dress code options. The additional options may be implemented as part of the authority issued to each campus Site-Based Decision Making (SBDM) committee.
Repeated or severe offenses may result in more serious disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
DeSoto ISD will provide information regarding how and where parents and staff can purchase any of the district-branded blazers, sweaters, or vests online or contact [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Can school districts require students to wear uniforms or implement a standardized dress code policy?
Yes. A school district board of trustees may adopt rules requiring students at a school in the district to wear uniforms if the board determines that a uniform requirement will improve the learning environment at the school. Tex. Educ. Code § 11.162(a). The rules must designate a source of funding to provide uniforms for educationally disadvantaged students. Tex. Educ. Code § 11.162(b). A parent of a student assigned to attend a school at which students are required to wear school uniforms may choose for the student to be exempted from the requirement or to transfer to a school at which students are not required to wear uniforms and at which space is available by providing a written statement that, as determined by the board of trustees, states a bona fide religious or philosophical objection to the requirement. Tex. Educ. Code § 11.162(c).
Do uniforms violate the First Amendment?
No. The First Amendment allows for mandatory uniform policies or dress codes in the public schools. However, it also generally permits exemptions from such policies or codes for students to wear religious clothes, head coverings, symbols or other attire.
Can students opt out of a dress code based on a philosophical objection?
No. In 2002, the commissioner of education found that the state law allowing parents to opt out of a uniform policy did not apply to requests to opt out of a dress code based on a philosophical objection. Davis v. Alvin Indep. Sch. Dist., Tex. Comm’r of Educ. Decision No. 009-R8-1000 (Feb. 1, 2002). Nonetheless, districts must be prepared to accommodate requests for exceptions to dress code rules based on a student’s or parent’s sincerely held religious belief. For example, when a school dress code provision restricted students’ ability to wear rosaries as necklaces, the court found that the students had both a free speech right and free exercise of religion right to wear the rosaries. Chalifoux v. New Caney Indep. Sch. Dist., 976 F. Supp. 659 (S.D. Tex. 1997). In another example, a court ordered a school district to allow students of the Khalsa Sikh faith to wear ceremonial knives to school after the students successfully argued that a regulation prohibiting the knives placed a substantial burden on their free exercise of religion. Cheema v. Thompson, 67 F.3d 883 (9th Cir. 1995). For more information about religious accommodations, see the Religion in the Public Schools section of TASB Legal Service’s School Law eSource.
Are we the only North Texas School District with a standardized dress code policy?
No. Lancaster, Dallas, Garland, Ft. Worth, and Crowley all a form of standardized dress.
Whose decision was it to adopt the uniform policy?
A committee consisting of students, teachers, parents and administrators worked collaboratively to research and develop this policy and recommended it to the board. The board voted “in-favor” of adopting this policy.
Was there any community input before this policy was adopted?
Yes. For parent focus groups were held as well as parent and student surveys were administered throughout out district to gather feedback from as many stakeholders as possible.
Will uniforms cost more than traditional clothing?
No. In general uniforms cost less than the designer clothing that many of our students are currently wearing. Depending on the store, two-three uniforms (shirt & pants) can be purchased for less than a single pair of jeans.
Will shoes be included in the uniform dress code?
No, students will be free to wear the shoes of their choice as long as they meet the other shoe requirements outlined in the student handbook.
What if parents can’t afford uniforms?
Parents will be encouraged to contact Student Support Services to assist them in securing uniforms.
What are the consequences for students not in uniform?
In all situations the students will be given the opportunity to comply, which may include a uniform being brought to school by a parent or securing a uniform from the office. If it is the student’s first offense or one who is typically compliant, a parent call will be made, a warning issued and the student will be allowed to attend class. Repeated offenses may result in Saturday School, In-School Suspension (ISS) or Out of School Suspension. PK-3 students who are non-compliant will handled at the principal’s discretion because those students have little control over who dresses them for school
Who do I contact if I am unhappy with the policy of consequences related to my child not complying with the uniform dress code?
As with most issues regarding this policy or other concerns, began with the campus administration and proceed to Student Support Services if the issue is not resolved.
Where can I find more information about my district’s dress code and rules?
See TASB Policy FNCA for more information about dress codes. Districts may also contact their TASB Policy Service consultant to request a sample dress code policy. The sample policy states that dress and grooming guidelines shall not include distinctions based on gender, race, or inherent traits or characteristics. Many districts also include information in the student handbook and student code of conduct regarding expectations for students to meet district and campus standards of grooming and dress.