A set of rules that clearly state and define the required ways to dress at a certain school, club, office, or event meant to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption and minimize safety hazards. The definition of a dress code, and dressing according to the code is mandatory. It’s required for every school in the state of Texas. However, there are parts students are not aware of that, in the future, may help stop a dress code violation. 
An unknown rule to some is, “boys’ sideburns should not be more than one-half inch below the bottom of the earlobe.” Meaning boys may not grow out their sideburns with the intent of getting a beard. Another similar rule is, “The entire ear may be covered but should not exceed the corner of the jawbone on the sides.” The purpose is to prevent longer hair on men so the school is able to see a student’s general face.
Gender specific rules are in place to keep the school a safe environment. A few examples of this are: a boy’s hair must not be worn in tails, ponytails or buns. An example for females is that they may wear earpieces, but that does not include spacers, gauges, tongue bars or rings, body piercing ornaments in general, and facial adornments. Another rule including the face concerns face coverings. A student’s face covering/mask must not have “risqué” prints or anything containing vulgar or racial slogans, language, emblems or in general: design. As it states in the “JISD District Clothing Dress Code” section, number two, “Print or graphics pertaining to drugs, violence, alcohol, tobacco products or any item(s) that may be disruptive or interfere with the safe operation of the campus are not permitted on any apparel, jewelry, accessories or paraphernalia.”
One section includes ample information on specifics of clothing such as t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, long sleeves, etc. As stated by the “Appendix IV: Joshua ISD Dress and Grooming Code” students may wear shirts, but those shirts must be worn with the original design done by the manufacturer, not an outside source. This also applies to jeans, shorts, skirts and dresses. Sagging is not permitted and students (when wearing pants, shorts and skirts/dresses) must have the clothing reach the hipbone. They should also be the appropriate size and skin must not be exposed between the pants and the shirt at any given time (during school hours).
With these rules stated, some students may have the feeling that, “These rules are annoying, how are they even supposed to help?” As said in the code (and as stated previously), “The district’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption and minimize safety hazards.” The dress code is here to help keep school a safe, helpful and non-disruptive learning environment for all students benefit.
The dress and grooming code is here to stay for a good reason and should be followed by all students. The district’s code is helpful as long as the students focus and follow the rules of said code. To find more information you can visit Joshua ISD’s website at www.joshuaisd.org or, more specifically, 2023-24 Dress and Grooming Code.
