In September 2024, all Rainy River District School Board elementary and secondary schools will be introduced to updated Student Dress Guidelines. Developed with input from students across the district, as well as staff, families, trustees and community partners, they are rooted in the principles of equity and inclusion and respect the diversity of cultures and identities within our school communities.
Dress codes in schools often represent antiquated ideas about dress that do not reflect students lived identities – including their gender identity, cultural identity, race and creed. As a result, dress codes can reinforce harmful stereotypes and treat certain groups of students differently than others, resulting in discrimination and shaming. In creating student dress guidelines, we shift our approach to student dress from compliance to choice.
Clothing is one way we express our individuality and identity. These guidelines were developed with a strong focus on supporting students and their caregivers in making decisions around student dress as it relates to human rights, safety, mental health, well-being, compassion, dignity and belonging. Providing students and families guidelines to inform student dress choice supports personal expression and self-identity, and schools can become safer and more welcoming environments for every student.
Student Dress Guidelines can be found on posters in all schools and as part of
Procedure 4.03 Student Dress. Students and families can find more information in the
Frequently Asked Questions below.
Student Dress Guidelines Poster - Elementary
Student Dress Guidelines Poster - Secondary