GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Hats and hoods can now be worn in Green Bay’s public schools if the school’s administrative team allows it.
The school board voted to make that change Monday night after being asked to come up with a district-wide policy.
The change is the first update to the Green Bay Area Public School District’s dress code in 11 years.
“Probably the biggest concerns were the fact that girls had more rules about what they could and couldn’t wear to school and the other one was whether we should allow hoods and hats in schools,” said Brenda Warren, the school board’s president.
Hats and hoods dominated the dress code discussion at the school board meeting.
“It’s not the place of the district to police students’ clothing and messaging, especially in a manner that grants privileges to some and discriminates against others,” said Andrew Austin of Green Bay.
“I think it’s a detriment for the teacher to see, to try to lecture, and see hats or hoodies,” said Christopher Baeb of Green Bay. “It has no benefit to educating.”
The district surveyed school resource officers, principals, teachers, and parents. A majority of respondents in each grouping said they were against allowing hats in classrooms or even in schools during non-class time.
“Hats pulled down low, can’t make any eye contact with students, can’t get any understanding of whether or not they are with me in a lesson,” said Daniel Gage, a teacher at Green Bay West High School.
Students who spoke were in favor of allowing head-ware.
“Sometimes I like to wear my hood on hoodies because I sometimes feel a lot of anxiety and it feels more comforting,” said Audra Gabrielson, a student at Franklin Middle School.
Board members said they weren’t ready to make a district-wide rule, instead voting to temporarily leave the decision with each school’s administrative team.
“I think I’d like to see the flexibility at the building for the building leadership, have that conversation with their staff to determine what’s best for your staff,” said Kristina Shelton, a school board member.
As part of its vote, the board must come up with a new hat and hood policy for the district by next July.
While the previous dress code did not allow hats or hoods, students and district leaders acknowledged some principals were allowing hats and hoods in their school.
