Change Providence Day School Dress Code to Allow Facial Hair

The current Dress Code at Providence Day School states:

"Students at Providence Day School are expected to be neatly dressed and well-groomed to attend class each day. At no time shall a student's dress be considered distracting, suggestive or provocative. It is expected that clothing will be appropriate and that extremes in hairstyles or fashions will be avoided. The Headmaster, Dean of Students and Division Heads reserve the right to interpret and/or make changes as fashions change and problems arise. We expect students to refrain from assuming any kind of personal appearance or wearing any kind of clothing that might distract from the process of teaching and learning.

Boys

6. Facial hair is not allowed. Boys' hair should be neatly cut and tastefully groomed. Length must remain above the collar and eyebrows. Ponytails, rattails, or other extremes of hair length, color, and styles are unacceptable."

The overall goal of the Providence Day School Dress Code is to maintain an overall "clean cut" look within the student body, to keep a safe environment, and to make sure that outlandish fashions do not distract from the learning process. Not allowing facial hair does not fall under any of the apparent goals of the Dress Code. Facial hair that is neatly groomed will not distract from the learning environment, and if it has a "neatly groomed" nature, it will not change the overall appearance of the student body. Strict guidelines within the Dress Code should be amended to allow students the freedom to groom themselves as they wish as long as it appears neat.

In Providence Day's own Core Values it states

·               We believe that the school community should help each student maximize individual potential, explore unique interests and develop self-confidence.

AND

·               We believe that students should enjoy the right to express themselves in a way that shows respect for others and honors the spirit of the school community.

Not allowing facial hair is a rule that contradicts two of the school's own "Core Values." Fashion is a form of expression and a way to express personal interests. If students wish to grow facial hair, it would be a form of expressing themselves and exploring a unique interest. It would be a form of expressing individuality, a quality encouraged at Providence Day. Growing facial hair would not be disrespecting others nor would it be dishonoring the school community. By prohibiting facial hair growth among the male student population, Providence Day is not standing by its Core Values.

To better allow self-expression and to keep all of Providence Day's values intact, the rule should be amended as follows:

"Facial hair is allowed, but it must be neatly cut and tastefully groomed. If facial hair is deemed to distract from the learning process or if it appears that it has not been groomed properly, it may be asked to be changed or shaved. Hair must be tastefully cut and groomed. The Headmaster, Dean of Students and Division Heads reserve the right to interpret whether or not a hair or facial hair style or length is acceptable."