GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) made a major announcement Thursday about its dress code for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year: students are no longer required to wear uniforms.
GRPS first announced the uniform requirement in 2013, citing the hope for an increased focus on learning and teaching, along with reduced distractions and peer pressure.
READ MORE: GRPS unveils school uniforms
The district said Thursday it now wants to give students the freedom to express themselves by removing the uniform requirement and allowing students to wear their clothing of choice.
Larry Johnson, chief of staff and director of public safety for GRPS, told FOX 17 that the school board made this decision in early August after receiving different forms of feedback.
“There’s many schools across the country that do not wear uniforms and those schools have been successful in getting students in the seats and really moving forward with the academic journey of our scholars,” Johnson said.
The district held sessions with students during the 2021-2022 school year and also sent surveys to parents and staff members.
Johnson explained that the school board’s decision to cut the uniform requirement came down to the majority of feedback received.
“Part of that was encapsulating the student voice and really listening to what our students wanted and what they feel would give them an opportunity to express themselves more freely, and many of our students felt the current uniform policy did prohibit them from expressing themselves,” Johnson added.
Even though students are no longer required to wear polo shirts and khakis, there still are restrictions to keep attire in line with GRPS’ safety and education goals.
GRPS says clothing and personal grooming are not allowed in the classroom or at school-sponsored events if they:
- Endanger the health or wellbeing of others
- Disrupt others from learning
- Encourage unlawful conduct
- Have logos advertising drugs, tobacco, alcohol or gangs
- Promote racism, sexism or any form of prejudice
Additionally, GRPS says undergarments, cleavage and midriffs cannot be visible to others, and garments that cover the head are only allowed for religious or medical reasons.
The new dress code goes into effect on GRPS’ first day of school, which is Tuesday, August 23.
For more information, check out GRPS Scholar Resource and Responsibility Guide.
