Department of Defense (DoD) has introduced a new dress code for students attending military grade schools, commencing from the 2023-2024 academic year. The key highlight of this code is the replacement of gender-specific rules with more inclusive, gender-neutral regulations.
The updated code prescribes attire that provides complete coverage from the armpit to mid-thigh, and mandates shirts with sleeves as well as solid-colored clothing for all students, thus fostering uniformity. This reform eliminates the previous variations in dress codes across schools at different military bases, some of which had restrictive regulations regarding certain styles like spaghetti straps, halter tops, baggy pants, and excessively tight clothing. The new code removes these stipulations, promoting a standardized dress code across all military schools.
The DoD’s dress code also introduces a policy against clothing that bears violent imagery, uses profanity, or displays words or images that perpetuate discrimination based on race or color, ethnicity or national origin, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. This move reflects the department’s commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for its diverse student body.
