Beginning April 1, students within the Pleasant Valley School District can wear whatever they want - within the guidelines.

During their meeting Thursday night, the Pleasant Valley School Board passed the policy to eliminate the requirement for uniforms.

One parent spoke in favor of uniforms during the public comment portion of the meeting, but other parents wanted to get rid of them. Their reasons ranged from the expense of buying both uniforms and regular clothes for their children to wanting their children to be able to show their individuality in style.

Uniforms were instituted in the school district in 2009, because the school board and district leadership were concerned in part about the style trend toward tight fitting clothes and low necklines in girls’ clothing and jeans pulled below the waistline of underwear in boys’.

Neither of those style trends will be allowed in the district’s newest guidelines.

According to the guidelines posted on the school district website, tight fitting bottoms are out for boys and girls, and skirts, skorts and dresses have to cover at least 75% of the thigh. The current style of holes in the clothing is another no-no.

Superintendent James Konrad said recently that there is some gray area regarding the holes. If the clothing is purchased with moderate holes, then that’s one thing. But if the holes are large and gaping, then that’s another.

“One of the things that’s concerning to me is the trend where you literally see the entire thigh, so let’s say a no on that,” he said.

Holes in tops are a no as well. Hoodies are fine, but the hoods have to stay down inside the school buildings.

No other types of hats either, unless it is for medical or religious reasons. And no sharp jewelry, gloves or belts, or sandals and clogs that don’t have a strap across the back of the foot. Konrad said the goal is to keep the students safe, while allowing them to have some freedom in what they wear.

The really big no is in the types of messages portrayed on clothing and jewelry.

• No reference to drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

• No apparel related to guns or weapons, and no apparel referencing weapons or violence.

• No clothing or accessories that are gang related, cult related, satanic, vulgar, obscene, or with profane pictures, sayings or gestures.

• No slogans that have a double meaning.

• No political messages, as well as nothing referring to sex, sexism, or sexuality, and nothing with a message that is ethnic or racially prejudicial.

If a student wears something that is against the new dress code policy, then he or she will have to change the clothes or go home and change the clothes. If the student repeatedly disobeys the dress code policy, then disciplinary action could result.

Konrad said the new policy can always be changed back to uniforms if overall compliance is a problem.

“We’re trying to be very understanding and accommodating to our students, but if our students abuse the opportunity, then we get to a point where we say, ‘You know what? This isn’t going to be allowed. We tried it and it’s not working,’?” he said.