ACLU criticizes dress code policies in 15 Nebraska school districts

OMAHA, Neb. -- The ACLU of Nebraska evaluated the dress codes of Nebraska's largest school districts, issuing sharp criticism in most cases.

The ACLU report said that it found the dress codes to be "rooted in stereotypes" and aimed disproportionately at girls, particularly Black girls and other students of color.

A total of 15 school districts were graded on their dress code policies, including Norfolk Public Schools, Columbus Public Schools, North Platte Public Schools, South Sioux City Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, Lincoln Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, Papillion-La Vista Community Schools, Elkhorn Public Schools, Grand Island Public Schools, Bellevue Public Schools, Westside Community Schools, Kearney Public Schools, Fremont Public Schools and Gretna Public Schools.

In the study, the ACLU states: "Gendered language in dress codes and unequal enforcement subject girls to discipline, humiliation and anxiety; force them to miss class time; and damage their sense of belonging in school. Gendered dress codes also invite biased enforcement against nonbinary, transgender and gender-nonconforming students."

The report gave grades on five categories, issuing three Ds and two Fs to the schools that were examined.

The study criticized both the dress code policies themselves, as well as the implementation of those policies, offering sharp criticism of instances that included expulsion.

ACLU Nebraska offered a suggestion for an alternative plan toward dress code policies, suggesting a proposal previously issued by Oregon National Organization for Women.