New Hanover Co. School Board hears updated dress code policy

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County School Board officially heard for the first time the updated dress code policy Tuesday night.

The policy caused a stir recently for banning skinny jeans. The updated policy removed the term ‘skinny jeans’ but still uses the terms ‘leggings’ and ‘excessively tight-fitting’ pants.

Deputy Superintendent Rick Holliday said the policy says tops must go to the mid-thigh if form fitting bottoms are worn.

Holliday said they tried to put more positive language in the written policy and give more leeway for principals to make decisions when it comes to their school’s dress code.

“We don’t want to come across that we are banning jeans. It’s not what it’s about. It’s just really about excessively tight-fitting clothing, that doesn’t really have a place in school,” said Holliday.

Holliday said the school system took into consideration the comments on social media about the policy when they decided to make changes to it.