In a recent letter from our Bishop Burke, a dress code has been adopted for La Crosse Diocesan Consolidated Catholic Schools. This applies to all grades, 1st to Seniors in High School. The letter reads:

"For almost two years now, I have received consultation regarding the possibility of establishing minimum dress code standards for our Catholic high schools. It is my firm belief that the manner of dress of students has a significant effect on their response to the educational environment and on their relationships with one another.

To help me address formally the question of a dress code, I established a committee made up of the Diocesan Director of Catholic Schools, high school principals and presidents of the Diocesan unified Catholic schools, and parent representatives for each of our unified Catholic school systems and high schools. I have also received significant consultation from the high school and middle school chaplains. While there was agreement on the need of a dress code and on most of the specific recommendations for the dress code, this is not true of all the recommendations.

I judge it important that all of our Catholic high schools have at least minimum standards in the area of dress, for these reasons:

1. The manner of dress helps the students to grow in the virtue of modesty which is at the foundation of their self-respect and their respect for others;

2. The dress code safeguards and promotes the Christian learning environment;

3. Students= and teachers= expectations are raised in a positive manner by a dress code; students coming to school dressed differently than at home realize even more that they are coming to school for an important reason--to receive an education;

4. A dress code minimizes differences among the students of different social classes;

5. School dress codes are economical and practical for families today, for they eliminate the need of a variety of clothes and of decisions regarding the coordination of colors and patterns of clothing;

                6. Decisions regarding what to wear are less time-consuming;

                7. A dress code minimizes and eliminates the danger of gang identification    and other inappropriate or harmful symbols on school dress, which is an increasing concern today;

8. A dress code is easier to enforce consistently when an explicit policy is in place;

9. A dress code creates a feeling of oneness and belonging; a dress code fosters immediate identification with fellow students and inspires unity;

10. A dress code permits non-students and strangers to be more easily recognized;

11. Because the dress code allows for choices within certain limits, it does not stifle creativity and individuality.

Some may argue that having a distinct dress code will make our students too different from the students in our public schools. It is my belief that our schools and students ought to be distinctive, and that our students should be held to a higher standard in everything they do.

After thorough consultation and careful consideration, I am establishing the following code as the minimum standard for dress in all of our Catholic high schools in the Diocese.

1. No T-shirts are permitted as primary wear during the school day. Shirts or blouses are to have collars.

2. Sweatshirts, if worn, shall be plain or have the school logo only.

3. No outerwear is to be worn within the school building during the regular school day without special permission of the administration. This includes, but is not limited to, jackets, windbreakers, ponchos, etc.

4. Hairstyles must be clean, cut to a reasonable length and be a reasonably natural color. Boys are to be clean shaven. Mustaches, beards and sideburns below the ear are not allowed.

5. Shirts that are made to be tucked in are to be tucked in.

6. Shorts are seasonal wear and are to be worn, if allowed at all, only when the administration determines the weather warrants it, which is generally between May 1 and October 1. When shorts are worn, they must be dress shorts and comply with all other aspects of the dress code.

7. The following types of pants/slacks are not permitted: Oversized or ill-fitting pants, sweat pants, cargo pants, athletic wear, leisure wear, blue denim, pajama bottoms, or any similar wear. Pants must be in good condition and are not to have holes or patches or be frayed.

8. Shoes must be worn during the school days. The type of shoe is not to pose a safety hazard. Any type of footwear that is considered beach wear is not permitted. Shoes that have laces are to be tied.

9. Any accessory that draws undue attention to a student is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to makeup, hairstyles, long looping chains, all unreasonable body jewelry, including that worn in but not limited to the tongue, nose, lips, eyebrows, excessive piercing in the ears, etc.

10. Body art (tattoos) are not to be publicly visible.

11. Shirts that can be buttoned are to be buttoned appropriately. In most cases this would mean up to the second to the top button on a normal shirt or blouse. Shirts or blouses must cover the midriff during all movements and activities.

12. Hats, caps, bandanas or other types of headwear are not to be worn in the school building during the regular school day.

13. Skirts, skorts, shorts, etc., are to be no more than two to three inches above the knee.

14. When there is a need for special occasion dress such as prom activities, all dress must fit within the school=s local guidelines for modesty. The school administration reserves the right not to allow participation in these activities, if, in the judgment of the administration, dress does not measure up to the school=s own standards of modesty.

15. At all times, there is not to be any saying, picture, or reference on clothing that is inconsistent with Catholic faith and morals. Items which reference drug or alcohol, songs or musical groups whose lyrics have contents inconsistent with Catholic teaching are inappropriate for wear.

16. These directives apply to all students for the entire school year. Exemptions are not to be granted for senior-year students or other groups.

I believe that the above directives will guarantee a form of dress which conveys the seriousness of the educational mission of the Church and will help all students to grow in modesty and view one another respectfully. I am convinced that the manner of dress of students influences very much their attitudes and also the way in which they participate in class and other student activities. While some students and parents may resist the idea of more direction regarding dress, I believe that, in the long run, everyone will come to appreciate the reasons for these standards established by the Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse.

I expect that schools will begin to implement the above dress code as soon as possible and certainly by the beginning of the school year 2002-2003.

If unified systems have not had similar codes for grades K-8, I ask that the systems adopt such codes for these grades at the same time.

Thank you for assisting me in developing a dress code which will reflect clearly the Catholic identity of our schools. I thank you in advance for all that you will do to implement the dress code.