School dress code: Top 10 offenses

Here’s a breakdown of some common fashion contraband categories.

9. Watch your language

Elaine Thompson/AP
If it's against school rules, it shouldn't be on your t-shirt, according to a near universal dress code policy that bans inappropriate language, alcohol, tobacco, and drug propaganda.

Kids love to express themselves through their clothes, but administrators at 20 out of 25 schools surveyed caution that better not include or advocate any contraband, such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

Any messages, slogans, or symbols that are derogatory towards racial or religious groups are also banned.

Messages that have a double meaning are largely prohibited as well, especially if they are sexually suggestive. 

9 of 10
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us