Students and parents attend Clovis Unified meeting to try and change dress code policy

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The battle to change Clovis Unified School Districts dress code policy raged on Wednesday night. More than a dozen parents and students attended a school board meeting trying to convince trustees to adopt a gender-neutral policy.

Last month, the board voted to keep its decades-long policy prohibiting boys from wearing earrings and from keeping their hair long. Some appealed with personal stories while others said they believe the district's refusal is breaking state law.

Many advocates say if gender expression isn't permitted, there may be serious consequences for students.

"They need a gender neutral policy that will protect transgender girls and transgender boys and allow them to dress as their true authentic gender. That helps them-- it keeps them from suicide and it protects the whole community," said Karen Adell Scot, Executive Director Transcare.

We learned one trustee who voted against amending the dress code has expressed that she would like the board to revisit the issue.

A specific time and date have not been set.