Some Jenks students and parents protesting new dress code policy

JENKS, Okla. — Some parents and students say they are frustrated with a new dress code policy at Jenks Public Schools.

A few days before the school year, the district announced a new policy. They’re asking that dresses, shorts, and skirts be down to the upper or mid-thigh for grades 7 to 12.

Some students protested the change before class, holding a sign that says, “We are not a distraction.” They said they feel this change unfairly targets girls.

A sign was found in the bathroom that reads, “instead of shaming girls for their bodies, teach boys that girls are not sexual objects.”

FOX23 spoke with one mom who says her twin daughters got in trouble for their shorts earlier this week. She said she loves being a part of Jenks Public Schools, but said she feels this new policy was confusing and announced last minute. She’s also was frustrated one of her daughters had to sit in detention and miss a math placement test.

The school responded with a statement, saying, “In the previous dress code policy, shorts were acceptable if they had at least a 3-4 inch inseam and kept private parts covered when the body was standing, sitting, or in motion. This summer, secondary principals requested a change to the dress code based on a desire to apply the dress code more equitably. The intent was to set a standard for students to attend school in clothing providing reasonable coverage.”

The change in policy was approved by the Board of Education in June of 2022.

The updated language reads “Pants, jeans, skirts, sweatpants, leggings, a dress, shorts, or the equivalent should cover down to the upper or mid-thighs.”

“Regrettably, this change was not clearly communicated to parents prior to the start of the school year,” the school district said in a statement. “Current expectations were sent yesterday to all parents of 7-12 grade students. The length of shorts/skirts/dresses should be reasonable and cover down to the upper or mid-thighs. Our goal is to have students dress reasonably to maximize time in the classroom and minimize questions about dress code.”

No student should ever be made to feel uncomfortable, the school district went on to say.

“Students should never be embarrassed or humiliated in front of their peers because of an article of clothing,” the school district said. “The mental health and well-being of our students is always a priority, and we want our students to feel seen and heard. We sincerely want to work together with parents and students to eliminate any anxiety or confusion.”

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