Legal and Policy Challenges of Student Dress and Grooming Codes - by Todd A Demitchell (Paperback)

About the Book

DeMitchell explores the case law and policies of this persistent and ever-evolving problem in their latest volume on legal issues in public schools.

Book Synopsis

DeMitchell explores the case law and policies of this persistent and ever-evolving problem in their latest volume on legal issues in public schools.

Review Quotes

Dr. Todd DeMitchell has made a timely and welcome addition to the field of educational law with The Legal and Policy Challenges of Student Dress and Grooming Codes. In this volume, Dr. DeMitchell explains the important cases surrounding student dress codes and provides insightful guidance in the development of these policies. I especially commend Dr. DeMitchell for his focus on developing educationally sound student dress codes. Far too often, legal scholars focus on "what the law is" without considering the educational implications. Dr. DeMitchell does not make this mistake. Therefore, I advise practitioners, attorneys, and educational law scholars to buy this book.

Students express themselves in various ways through their clothing. The messages they convey may be political, religious, or personal. The Legal and Policy Challenges of Student Dress and Grooming Codes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities provides school administrators with the tools they need to navigate the slippery slope of enforcing dress codes. Every situation is unique. Administrators who have a good understanding of the law are in a much better position to respond to those situations in a manner that is likely to be upheld if challenged. This book provides that information. It should be on every school administrator's bookshelf.

The Legal and Policy Challenges of Student Dress and GroomingCodes gives a riveting deep dive into a timely and complex education law issue such as student dress and grooming codes, by offering both a historical grounding and contemporary analysis. In advocating for an even-handed approach to balancing the rights of students with school responsibilities, the book demonstrates how multifaceted dress code and grooming issues are and how wide they can reach in their scope. This is a must-read for anyone interested in law and education policy.

About the Author

Todd A. DeMitchell served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent for 18 years in the public schools before joining the faculty at the University of New Hampshire where he is currently Professor Emeritus of Education Law & Labor. He was the John & H. Irene Peters Endowed Professor of Education, the Lamberton Endowed Professor of Justice Studies, and was named Distinguished University Professor.