Updated August 2026
Tulsa Public Schools Policy 2601-R: Student Dress Code
Kendall-Whittier is a free dress school. However, Kendall-Whittier follows the Tulsa Public Schools Dress Code. A summary of the TPS Dress Code may be found in its entirety on the Tulsa Public Schools website at Tulsaschools.org.
General Rules
The following decorations and/or designs (including tattoos and/or brands either temporary or permanent*) imprinted upon or attached to the body or clothing are prohibited:
- Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms that convey crude, vulgar, profane, violent, death-oriented, gang-related, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive messages.
- Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms advertising tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.
- Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms identifying a student as a member of a secret or overtly antisocial group or gang or that identifies a student as a member of an organization that professes violence or hatred toward one’s fellow man.
Excessively large or baggy clothes are prohibited. Approved garments must be of a length and fit that are suitable to the build and stature of the student.
Permitted garments shall be clean, in good repair, and shall have no holes worn through, slashes or rips.
Permitted clothing shall be worn as designed/manufactured to include the following:
- Suspender straps must be attached as designed and worn on shoulders
- Shirts/blouses must be appropriately buttoned
- Zippers on pants and shirts must be zipped
- Belts must be fastened
Outerwear
Students must store outerwear (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.) in their lockers upon arrival at school. Outerwear will not be permitted in classrooms, cafeterias, libraries, corridors or other areas of the school buildings after arrival unless authorized by the school’s administration.
Head Coverings/Sunglasses
- Scarves, curlers, bandanas, sweatbands, or other similar head coverings or adornments shall not be worn to class or within school buildings.
- Caps, hats or other similar head coverings shall not be worn to class or within school buildings unless prescribed by a physician, previously approved by the school’s administration for religious reasons, or approved by the school’s administration for a special school activity.
- Sunglasses (unless prescribed by a physician) shall not be worn to class or within school buildings.
Upper Garments
- The cut of sleeveless garments must not expose undergarments or be otherwise immodest. Strapless garments are prohibited. Shoulder straps of permitted garments must be a minimum of the width of two fingers of the person wearing the garment.
- Bare midriffs, immodestly low cut necklines, off the shoulder, or bare backs are prohibited. Garments must be of appropriate length, cut and/or fit to meet these requirements while sitting and/or bending.
Lower Garments
- Undergarments shall not be visible. Pants and shorts shall be worn at the waist, and shall not extend below the heel of the shoe in length.
- Tights or leggings worn as outerwear, spandex, bike shorts, bathing/swimming wear, sleep wear (including pajamas), etc., are not permitted.
- Shorts and skirts must be of modest length defined as a maximum of 6” above the knee of the wearer or not above the fingertip of the wearer with the arm fully extended, whichever is longer.
Footwear
- Closed-toed shoes and sandals with back straps are allowed. Please make sure students wear athletic shoes on PE days.
- Boots are allowed when appropriate for the weather.
School Policies
Individual schools, via their respective school shared decision-making councils or school improvement committees may, upon approval by the principal, impose more strict dress code requirements than those set forth herein. However, all schools must meet the standards set forth in this policy as the minimum requirement. Schools shall publish any and all additional requirements/expectations relative to student dress. Students and their parents/guardians have the responsibility to be aware of any school specific dress codes and to conform to those requirements after the school has provided reasonable notice.
Penalties/Sanctions
Students who elect not to conform to the dress and grooming rules set forth by this policy will be subjected to disciplinary actions and/or sanctions as defined by the district’s Behavior Response Plan.
Unusual Circumstances
If any unusual situation relative to dress or grooming arises which is not specifically covered in this policy, the building administrator shall have the authority to rule on the appropriateness of the attire.
Symbols
- Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms that convey profane, sexually explicit, gang or anti-social groups are not allowed.
- Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms advertising tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia are not allowed.
- Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms which profess violence or hatred toward one’s fellow man are not allowed.