Ogden High teacher questions new dress code banning tattoos

OGDEN — An Ogden High School teacher says his forearm tattoos representing his wife and children reflect family values, but administrators say they set a bad example for students.

A new Ogden School District policy on teacher dress codes says educators have to cover up their tattoos.

Mark Johnson, 40, who has taught English at Ogden High for 15 years, said he just doesn't understand why he should hide his body art, adding his tattoos are great "conversation starters."

Johnson's tattoos include his wife's initials, one daughter's name in Chinese, another daughter's initials, "Storm Cooper" for his son and various Japanese designs.

"We are expecting all of our employees to dress professionally. We expect them to be a role model," Ogden District Superintendent Noel Zabriskie said.

According to the policy implemented in January, "all employees must limit visible body piercings to the ear. Other piercings and tattoos must be covered during contract hours and school-related activities. Employees may be required to remove earrings which pose a safety hazard or create a disruption."

"If the tattoo is visible, if there is some way it can be appropriately covered, that would be acceptable," Zabriskie said.

Johnson says his tattoos are a chance to teach others not to be so judgmental.

"Why should I cover that opportunity up?" he said.

"There are lessons in maybe not judging, not jumping to conclusions. We all need to learn those lessons," Johnson said. "Some people haven't learned those lessons, even as adults."

Johnson said he doesn't plan to file a lawsuit or quit his job. He just wants to voice his disagreement with the policy in a civil manner.

"I'm not a confrontational kind of guy," he said. "But I want to stand up for myself, for sure."

The new policy also addresses employee dress, defining it as "clothing that is clean, neat and in good repair that is considered appropriate for workplace attire."

"We're not expecting folks to wear coat and tie, hose and heels, but we expect them to be a role model with a professional dress standard," Zabriskie said.

According to the policy, inappropriate attire includes sweat pants, exercise pants, beach shorts, short shorts, bib overalls, baggy clothing, leggings and any spandex or other form-fitting pants such as for biking, as well as short or tight skirts, mini-skirts, shorts, sun dresses, beach dresses and halter top dresses.

Also forbidden are tank tops, midriff tops, shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons and slogans, halter tops and low cut blouses.

"Beach" flip-flops are also a no-no.

"In the work environment, all employees are expected to demonstrate modesty in the choice of clothing," the policy states.

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