FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JACKSON, Miss. - On June 22, 2022, the ACLU of Mississippi sent letters to fifty-five school districts throughout Mississippi demanding that they reexamine their dress and grooming code policies that are unconstitutional and discriminatory on the basis of sex, race, and religion. In the letter sent to school districts, the ACLU of Mississippi warns that such policies are outdated, harmful, and could leave them open to civil rights litigation. The ACLU of Mississippi is asking school districts to revise their dress and grooming policies to ensure that all students are treated fairly and equally, and that they do not face discrimination.
“Many school districts across Mississippi have policies that treat students differently on the basis of their gender, such as requiring different dress standards for male and female students,” said McKenna Raney-Gray, LGBTQ Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Mississippi. “Cases brought by the ACLU have found this type of gender-based discrimination is unconstitutional. Mississippi school districts need to comply with federal law and revise their antiquated policies that cause serious harm to Mississippi students.”
In May, the ACLU of Mississippi successfully advocated for a boy in Jones County who was prohibited from wearing earrings because of his gender. The School District’s dress and grooming code prohibited male students from wearing earrings, while female students were permitted to wear them. After persistent advocacy with school officials, the School Board revised the School District’s dress and grooming code on May 23 to remove gendered policies.
The school districts that received letters are listed below:
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