Policy GBEBA states: Employees must always consider that their employment places them in the position of role models for students. The Governing Board expects the dress and appearance of certificated and support personnel to be professional in nature and to set a standard for student attire. Although employees should have the basic freedom to express their individuality, basic expectations must be met. Teachers are expected to observe standards of dress and grooming appropriate for a professional in a school setting.

Dress will be considered professionally appropriate if it does not disrupt the classroom atmosphere or educational process. Minimally, professional standards of dress shall observe the following guidelines:

• Clothing should be free of frays, holes, or tears and should not expose undergarments, breasts, chests, or midriffs
• Clothing shall not display profanity or profane or obscene gestures, nor shall it support alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or sexual activity
• Caps or hats should not be worn inside buildings
• Skirts or dresses should be mid-thigh or longer
• Running shorts, Spandex shorts, or other exercise clothing are not acceptable except for coaches while actively teaching, or for physical education teachers. Walking shorts are considered appropriate within the classroom
• Rubber thongs are not acceptable footwear
• The requirements of the student dress code of the District and/or school shall be observed by the employees

It is recognized that all employees shall enjoy full rights of citizenship and liberty as guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and Arizona. However, individual freedom of expression of certificated employees must be balanced with the impressionability of students, particularly since they are, essentially, a “captive audience.”

Therefore, the following also must be observed:

• Religious dress, marks, emblems, or insignias are permissible provided they do not proselytize or disparage religion
• Clothing should be free of political messages. Political messages are defined as those that are intended to influence the outcome of elections or to support and/or oppose a particular political candidate, issue, party, or point of view

The intent of this policy is not to unduly restrict personal expression. The Governing Board recognizes that implementation of this policy calls for sensitive, intelligent action on the part of the school staff so that professionalism and individuality are reasonably balanced.