MORRISTOWN (WATE) – After receiving over a dozen calls from parents saying Hamblen County Schools banned all flag clothing, WATE 6 On Your Side reached out to the school system for answers.
Teresa Ayers, a spokesperson with the Hamblen County Department of Education, said school officials did have an assembly where they talked about flag etiquette Thursday. She says students school officials asked students to not have a confederate battle flag on vehicles, because it has caused disruptions in the past, but they were not told anything about a ban on the American flag.
When it comes to wearing any other flags, Ayers said school staff do not want anything that will hinder the learning process.
Hamblen County school dress code
It is the goal of the Hamblen County Board of Education to provide a quality education for its students, in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. It is the board’s belief that a learning atmosphere is maintained when students wear clothing that is neat, modest, moderate, and decent, and that does not draw attention to the individual rather than the learning environment. In matters of opinion, the judgment of principals, exercised in a reasonable manner, will prevail.
Slacks, Blue Jeans, and Pants
- Leggings and stirrup pants will be permitted provided the top garment meets the guidelines outlined for skirts, dresses, or shorts (mid-thigh)
- Pants will be neat and worn at the waistline.
- Pants will be hemmed.
Skirts and Dresses
- Skirts and dresses will be a minimum length of mid-thigh and may include pleated, A-line, or straight styles.
- Skirts and dresses with a pleat or vent will be permitted if the top of the split or vent is no higher than mid-thigh around skirts will be permitted.
- Skirts will be hemmed.
Shorts
- Walking shorts or Bermuda shorts will be permitted and will be a minimum length of midthigh.
- Shorts will be hemmed.
Shirts and blouses
- Tank tops or halter tops will not be permitted.
- Shirts and blouses will not have written slogans or messages that contain advertisement of drugs or alcohol.
- Shirts and blouses will not contain vulgar or sexually explicit messages (direct or implied).
- Shirts and blouses will not contain any messages, slogans, or symbols that promote racial discord or are related to gang activity.Sleeveless shirts will cover the area from the base of the neck to the edge of the shoulder and will fit appropriately around the underarm.
- Shirts and blouses will be an appropriate length, coming to the top of pants, shorts, or skirts at all times.
Jackets
- Biker jackets, trench coats, and large bulky jackets will not be permitted.
Wind suits and warm up suits
- Wind suits of the nylon variety will be permitted.
- Cotton sweat pants and jammer style slacks will not be permitted.
For all apparel
- Clothing must be neat.
- No large or revealing holes, rips, or tears will be allowed in any wearing apparel.
- Clothing will fit properly and will not be unreasonably tight or unreasonably baggy.
- Students will wear appropriate undergarments.
- Women will wear a bra.
- Undergarments will not be visible.
- All students will wear shoes.
- Flip flops will not be permitted.
- No headwear of any type will be worn inside the buildings.
- Hair bows and barrettes will be permitted, provided they are of reasonable size and subtle color.
- Hair will be worn in a manner that does not disrupt the educational process and does not call attention to the individual.
- Facial jewelry will be limited to the ear.
- Three earrings per ear will be permitted.
- Tongue bars and tongue rings are not permitted.
- Tattoos will not contain written slogans or messages that exhibit references to drugs or alcohol.
- Tattoos will not contain vulgar or sexually explicit messages (direct or implied).
- Tattoos will not contain any symbol that promotes racial discord or is related to gang activity.
- The board prohibits the display of any symbol on school property or on any object (such as a book bag, automobile, school locker, etc.) that promotes racial discord or is related to gang activity.
*Students who are not appropriately dressed, or students who are not following dress code, will be required to obtain a change of clothing that meets dress code standards.
**Students with facial jewelry, not including the ear, will be required to remove the jewelry and give it to a teacher or administrator to be held until it can be picked up by a parent/guardian
