We investigated dress codes across Chicago’s public schools. Here’s what we found. – Chicago Tribune

Good morning, Chicago.

Many students in the Chicago Public Schools must follow dress code rules that ban spaghetti straps, leggings, hoodies and other clothing items commonly worn by young people, according to my review of hundreds of recent school policies.

Young Chicagoans told me these rules make them feel targeted because of their culture, gender or body type. Students said they just want to feel comfortable at school and be themselves.

Judai Smith, a senior at Kenwood Academy High School, said some dress code policies tell students they should conform to a particular image of what it means to be a scholar. It makes some students feel like “our Blackness is not supposed to be there — and our woman-ness,” Smith said.

I also found dozens of recent dress codes that appear to violate the school district’s own policies by failing to set gender-neutral rules and stating that students could lose class time because of their clothing or accessories.

CPS didn’t answer questions about my findings but says it is planning to conduct an audit of dress codes, aimed at finding out whether policies are harming students or leading to inequities.

– Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune investigative reporter

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