School district says kids can’t wear pajamas for online classes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Some parents are upset that a school district in Illinois is directing what their kids wear in their own homes.

A handbook provided by the Springfield School District has parents upset because it states that students who are enrolled in remote learning must follow the dress code that applies to students on school property, according to WCIA.

Hats, caps, bandanas, hoods of any type, sweatbands, sunglasses, pajama pants, slippers, or shoes with wheels attached to the bottom shall not be worn in the buildings

—  DISTRICT 186 Springfield Public Schools Student and Family HANDBOOK 2020–2021

In addition to the dress code, students cannot sit in bed during online learning.

(Students) will be sitting up out of bed preferably at a desk or table.

—  DISTRICT 186 Springfield Public Schools Student and Family HANDBOOK 2020–2021

“I made the decision for my kids to be at home and I don’t really see how any district can come in and say what my kid can’t wear in my house. I don’t think they have any right to say what happens in my house. I think they have enough to worry about as opposed to what the kids are wearing. They need to make sure they’re getting educated,” Elizabeth Ballinger told WCIA.

Aaron Graves, the president of the Springfield Education Association believes the priority is learning.

“In truth, the whole pajama thing is really at the bottom of our priority scale when it comes to public education. We really want to see kids coming to the table of education whether it’s at the kitchen table with the laptop there or whether it’s the actual brick and mortar school house. Raising the bar for all kids and helping them get there, whether they’re in their pajamas or tuxedo is really what’s important,” Graves told WCIA.

The school district told WCIA that it will address the dress code issues on an individual basis.

Cox Media Group