NYC Council Approves Universal School Dress Code

The New York City Council has approved legislation to implement a universal dress code across all public schools in the city, addressing concerns that current policies are discriminatory. The new dress code will comply with Title IV, ensuring it is gender-neutral and inclusive of diverse cultures, gender expressions, and body diversity. Prior to this legislation, dress codes were determined individually by each school, leading to uneven enforcement and disproportionate discipline, particularly affecting girls, students of color, and LGBTQIA+ students. The Department of Education will collaborate with the City Council to develop these guidelines and ensure transparency by posting dress code policies and violation data online. The goal is to create consistent, fair, and inclusive dress code policies that do not unjustly target any student group.