Dress Code Proposal

It is the policy of Milwaukee Lutheran High School that its administration, teachers, parents, and
students have input into the school’s dress code. Ultimately, the decision on dress code comes down to
the administration making a determination that, they believe, is in the best interest of those they serve
– including staff, students, and families. At the urging of a group of staff and some parents, we have
developed a dress code change proposal for open dialogue and discussion. Upon receiving input and
debating a decision will be made whether this proposal is implemented for the 2016-2017 school year.

The issue of dress code can be a “hot topic” amongst all constituents of our community – students,
parents, and staff. There is no “right” answer – it is truly what is right for our community. While we can
spend tremendous amount of time and effort in our focus on this topic, we must ultimately be reminded
that “the Lord does not look at things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord
looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)”. We understand that dress is not always a true representation of a
person’s character, but can reflect or reveal a glimpse of an individual.

The Dress Code for Milwaukee Lutheran has traditionally been based on the following principles:
1. Students should wear apparel and accessories that are inoffensive to our Christian standards.
2. Students should dress appropriately for school.
3. Students should dress with modesty and restraint.
4. Hairstyles should reflect moderation and careful grooming.
While the principles will not change, the interpretation and guidelines that exist are what are being
examined.

Proposed Change to Professional Dress:

 All Clothing:
o Should be modest
o Should not expose undergarments, cleavage, or midsection – even when sitting,
bending, or reaching.
o May not have holes, cuts, or frays.
 Shirts / Tops
o Must be single-color, striped, plaid, or print
o Must have a collar and sleeves
o May have a manufacturer’s logo that is smaller than 3” x 5”. MLHS school logo can be
larger.
o All but the top two buttons must be buttoned
o Single-colored dress sweaters may also be worn
o Any MLHS sponsored t-shirt, hoodie, or sweatshirt is permissible
 Pants / Capris / Shorts / Skirts
o Must be solid colored dress style (no denim or cargo)
o Must fit securely, but not tightly
o Shorts and skirts may not rise more than 4 inches above the kneecap.
o A belt is required for any pants that have belt loops.
 Footwear
o Students may wear dress style shoes or boots or sandals (with an ankle strap or closed
back).
 Grooming
 o Hair must be clean, of reasonable style (no designs cut into hair or Mohawk style), and
natural color. Boys facial hair must be neatly trimmed.
o Students should remove headwear when in the building – included in this are hoods.
o Girls may wear earrings and one small stud (2.5 mm of smaller) in the nose and boys
may wear one stud earring in each ear. Body piercings for boys and girls including
piercings of the lip, eyebrow, face, or nose rings are NOT permitted.
o All tattoos are strongly discouraged. Those that are offensive will be covered at all
times.
Milwaukee Lutheran would arrange for occasional, school-sponsored dress down days throughout the
school year.

Proponents (and through some research) would argue:

 Differences (especially in relation to socioeconomic status) are eliminated
 The learning environment is better
 Students dress for success
 This helps MLHS identify who belongs on the property
 Wearing MLHS clothing promotes school pride

Opponents would argue:

 Student’s uniqueness and creative identity are taken away
 Cost for clothing could increase – especially in terms of replacement for regular wear and tear
 This plan is easier for boys than girls
 Students may face additional issues in their community for wearing a uniform
 Uniforms, in the Midwest, are only reserved for Catholic or urban schools

What are other schools doing?

 There are 14 schools in the LCMS that serve 350 students or more. Of those 14, only three
(including Milwaukee Lutheran and Martin Luther) currently employ a standards-based dress
code. Five of the schools require full uniforms and the other 6 require professional dress. Note:
this ratio is very consistent amongst all 84 LCMS high schools in the nation.
 In the city of Milwaukee there has been a move by some schools away from traditional uniforms
to a professional dress code. The majority of private schools in the area have moved or are
looking to move in this direction.
While keeping up with trends is not our purpose, it does suggest that the issue and solutions are greater
than what we are discussing in Milwaukee currently.

We are interested in your feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold
jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and
quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:3-4)