Higley Unified School District is looking to update its student dress code policy for the first time in more than 20 years, a topic district officials acknowledge is polarizing.
The district's governing board took a first look at a proposed policy at its May 10 meeting, and the divergent comments from board members underscored the tightrope the district will have to walk to update a policy that was last approved in 2001.
One section of the revised language drew scrutiny. The section read that attire may be prohibited when it “exposes the wearer’s midriff, undergarments, or undergarment areas.” Board Member Amanda Wade said the language has a disproportionate impact on females.
