Dress Policy

Policy Number: 03.0004

Purpose

The New School is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional workplace environment that reflects the diversity and creativity of our community. This dress code policy is intended to balance the need for appropriate workplace attire with the freedom for employees to express their individuality and cultural identity.

We encourage employees to express themselves through their appearance in a manner that is authentic, respectful, and appropriate to their role. This policy is designed to ensure that all members of our community feel comfortable and empowered, while maintaining standards that support a safe, professional, and welcoming environment.

Employees are expected to maintain a standard of personal hygiene and dress that is clean, neat, and suitable for the responsibilities of their position. Department leaders may establish additional guidelines as necessary, based on the nature of the work performed.

Scope

This policy applies to faculty, staff, temporary workers, and student workers.

Policy

Professional Attire

Employees should dress in a manner that reflects professionalism and awareness of the university setting. Attire should be appropriate to the setting and the duties performed, particularly in roles involving public interaction or representing the university.

Individual Expression and Creativity

The university values personal expression and encourages employees to incorporate elements of their personality, style, and cultural background into their attire. This may include clothing, accessories, hairstyles, or body art (such as tattoos or piercings), provided such expression does not:

• Disrupt the workplace or the operations of the University;
• Pose a safety or health risk; or
• Violate applicable university policies.

Cultural Sensitivity

Employees are expected to be mindful and respectful of the cultural, religious, and personal significance of attire—both their own and that of others. Questions or concerns related to culturally or religiously significant dress should be directed to Human Resources or an employee’s supervisor.

Safety and Functionality

Employees must ensure that their clothing and accessories are safe and functional for the tasks they perform. Certain departments—such as The Making Center, academic laboratories, and Campus Safety—may require specific attire or prohibit certain items for health and safety reasons. These departmental requirements take precedence over general guidelines.

In some areas, employees may be required to wear uniforms or personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with applicable regulations and operational protocols.

Footwear

Footwear must be professional, practical, and safe. While the university does not maintain a formal footwear policy, employees are expected to avoid shoes that may create safety hazards or cause disruption in the work environment.

Inclusivity Across Gender Identities

The university affirms the right of all employees to wear attire consistent with their gender identity and expression. This policy is inclusive of all gender identities and is intended to ensure a respectful environment free from discrimination or bias.

Prohibited Attire

To maintain a professional and inclusive work environment, the following types of attire are not permitted:

• Clothing containing hate speech or discriminatory images, in violation of any applicable university policy;
• Excessively revealing, sheer, or any clothing that does not maintain a professional appearance;
• Garments that pose a safety hazard or interfere with job performance (e.g., tripping hazards, items that obstruct vision, or tight clothing that limits ease of movement);
• Torn, dirty, or otherwise unclean clothing.

Accommodations

The university will provide reasonable accommodations related to dress for religious, cultural, medical, or disability-related reasons. Employees requiring such accommodations are encouraged to contact the Human Resources - Benefits team.

Enforcement

Supervisors are responsible for addressing concerns related to attire in a respectful, consistent, and equitable manner. Repeated or serious violations of this policy may result in corrective action in accordance with university procedures.

Policy Administration

Responsible University Official: Vice President, Human Resources

Responsible Office: Human Resources

Contact Information: hrhelp@newschool.edu

Policy History

Effective Date: May 3, 2024

Last Reviewed Date: August 22, 2025

Next Review Date: August 22, 2030

Revision History:

• August 22, 2025: Guidelines revised to be more inclusive and representative of the culture at The New School.