IL HB2469

School boards and local school councils may adopt uniform or dress code policies necessary to maintain orderly school functions or prevent student health/safety endangerment, but cannot discipline students for noncompliance during a reasonable period to acquire compliant attire.

Dress code policies shall include criteria to accommodate students from indigent families in complying with uniform requirements and must provide appropriate resources to assist these students.

Dress code policies cannot prohibit or regulate hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including braids, locks, and twists, nor can they prohibit students from wearing or accessorizing graduation attire with items associated with cultural, ethnic, or other protected characteristics.

Students whose parents or legal guardians submit a signed religious objection statement are exempt from complying with applicable dress code policies.

The State Board of Education must make available resource materials by July 1, 2022, developed in consultation with stakeholders regarding hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, and hair texture, posted on its website.