Hawaii Senate Bill SR184

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging The Board Of Education To Develop And Enforce Non-sex Segregated Dress Codes For Public School Formal Events.

Impact

By advocating for non-sex segregated dress codes, the resolution seeks to foster a more inclusive environment for all students, particularly those who are māhū, gender non-conforming, or transgender. This move aligns with Hawaii's existing laws, including Act 110 from 2018 and Title IX, which both prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression. If adopted, these revised dress codes would enhance the rights of students to express their identities freely and safely at formal school functions.

Summary

Senate Resolution 184 urges the Board of Education of Hawaii to develop and enforce non-sex segregated dress codes for public school formal events. This initiative is a response to student concerns raised during the 2021-2022 school year at a public high school in East Oahu, where sex-segregated dress codes for events like homecoming and graduation were deemed problematic. The resolution posits that current dress codes reinforce outdated notions of sex and gender, which contribute to harmful stereotypes.

Contention

Discussion around this resolution may face contention as it addresses the delicate subject of gender identity in educational settings. Supporters argue that eliminating gender-based restrictions in dress codes is a necessary step towards recognizing and validating diverse gender expressions among students. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the practicality and implications of such changes on school policies, potentially reflecting broader societal debates on gender and identity.