clothing rules.

Special education

Special education focuses on a certain life vision. Usually, this is a religious or philosophical view. This vision decides the dress code. Short skirts and shirts are often not allowed at a Christian school. Not allowing certain clothes is fine if the school is consistent and it fits the school’s basis. The school must explain why these items (for example, short skirts and shirts) do not fit the school.

Subjects

Some subjects need special clothing. For example, chemistry class needs students to wear a white coat and safety glasses. Or gym class, where gym shoes are important. These rules are in your child’s school guide.

Face-covering clothing

Since 2019, the law partially bans face-covering clothing. The ban applies in schools. This means no clothes that cover the whole face or cover it so only the eyes show. Teachers, students, and parents visiting the school must follow this rule. All face coverings count, like balaclavas, burkas, niqabs, and full-face helmets. The following are allowed and not banned: headscarves, hats, veils that do not cover the face, and painted faces.

These exceptions apply:

• Clothes needed to protect the body for health or safety reasons.
• Clothes needed for certain jobs or sports. For example, a protective mask for fencing.
• Clothes suitable for a festive or cultural event where face-covering clothes are socially acceptable. For example, carnival clothes.

Complaint

Sometimes parents do not agree with the school dress code. Try to discuss it with the principal to find a solution. If this fails, you can file a complaint about one case (not about general policy).

The school guide has more information about complaints. Parents can also bring the problem to the school participation council. The council can discuss this in meetings and consider changing the policy.

Discrimination

If discrimination happens, parents can complain to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights. They can report a problem or ask for a judgment. The judgment means the complaint is handled in a public hearing.