53A-15-1102 - Uniforms in schools -- Legislative finding -- Policies. - Utah Statutes

53A-15-1102. Uniforms in schools -- Legislative finding -- Policies.
(1) The Legislature finds that:
(a) each student should be allowed to learn in a safe environment which fosters thelearning process and is free from unnecessary disruptions;
(b) the wearing of certain types of clothing may identify students as members of youthgangs and contribute to disruptive behavior and violence in the schools;
(c) school uniform policies may be part of an overall program to:
(i) improve school safety and discipline; and
(ii) help avoid the disruption of the classroom atmosphere and decorum and preventdisturbances among students; and
(d) school uniforms may:
(i) decrease violence and theft among students; and
(ii) foster and promote desirable school operating conditions and a positive educationalenvironment in accordance with this part.
(2) In accordance with Section 53A-15-1103, a school may adopt a school uniformpolicy that requires students enrolled at that school to wear a designated school uniform duringthe school day.
(3) A school uniform policy shall:
(a) protect students' free exercise of religious beliefs;
(b) specify whether the uniform policy is voluntary or mandatory for students;
(c) specify whether or not the uniform policy has an opt-out provision in addition to theprovisions under Subsection (5); and
(d) include a provision for financial assistance to families who cannot afford to purchasea required uniform, which may include:
(i) the school providing school uniforms to students;
(ii) the school making used school uniforms available to students; or
(iii) other programs to make school uniforms available to economically disadvantagedstudents.
(4) A school uniform policy under this part is not considered a fee for either anelementary or a secondary school.
(5) A school uniform policy shall include a provision allowing a principal at any timeduring the school year to grant an exemption from wearing a school uniform to a student becauseof extenuating circumstances.
(6) (a) If a school adopts a school uniform policy under this part, that school's governingbody or local school board shall adopt local appellate procedures for school actions under thispart, including a denial of an exemption requested under Subsection (5).
(b) A person may seek judicial review of an action under this part only after exhaustingthe remedies provided under this Subsection (6).

Enacted by Chapter 190, 2006 General Session