Comments about ‘Ogden High teacher questions new dress code banning tattoos’

Anything that distracts students form their primary educational work should not be allowed in school, from visible tattoos to visible firearms carried by grandstanding would-be political heroes.

I'm curious what initiated the change in dress code?

Was there an incident that caused the district to change this policy? Was there a problem caused by tattoos?

Or is this just another way for the district to discriminate against those that look different.

This sounds like a bunch of narrow-minded bureaucrats trying to make sure jobs go the the chosen ones.

Ogden SD is a joke. Next thing will be "teacher fired for being overweight". I'm pretty sure he had the tats when you hired him.

I am a teacher with no tattoos or piercings but I would be upset at this policy too. I don't need the school district telling me how to dress. I understand wanting to look professional. But just because people have put on a suit and tie does not make them professional. In fact dressing too far above the students could make the teacher unapproachable.
I think the school district could be using their time more efficiently.

You hired him to teach English, he's fulfilling his contract so what has changed?

Welcome to the real world. Most companies have similar guidelines if not even more strict.

Not exposure to the real world!!!

I'm a teacher (not in that district) and this just disheartens me. So what if I have a tattoos in a visible place? As long as it isn't offensive or degrading to anyone, why should I have to cover it up. Like the teacher in the article was saying, it is a great conversation starter and it might get kids to warm up to the class and teacher. I believe it is a good way for students in this state to see that there are more than just the people they're used to associating with. People with tattoos aren't the "monsters" or "evil" people many in this state believe us to be. Maybe, if anything, it'll teach them some tolerance and diplomacy.

Teachers need to enhance the values of the community they represent. Teaching is not an opportunity for your personal expression, it is a sacred trust by parents to educate their children. If you are going to do something that distracts from the education environment, you should be removed and let someone else do it. Maybe he could teach in the Prison where it is more acceptable to have tattoos.

I had i school with tats were from the millitary.

It is not against the law to have tatoos, only this schools policy.
If this teacher did file a lawsuit, he would win as he is doing nothing against the law. And the law supercedes the schools dress code.
That being said, his tatoos would cause questions from students.
Seeing has how this mans profession is to teach children, I would see them engaging (i.e. asking questions) as a good thing.
Or have you ever tried to teach a child who has no interest in what you are saying?

Coming from a long line of teachers in my family, I know that saying teaching is a "sacred cow" that cannot be critized, but I will anyways. In any job you have, you need to look professional. If you want to be tatted up, then work in constuction or the NBA. If you want gauges in your ears, go work at a skate shop. If you want to teach English, than act like an English teacher. I think this is one reason why there are so many student-teacher sex relationships. That line of respect and authority is gone. Start acting professional. Also, I doubt he had them when the Ogden School district hired him. I bet he covered them up in his interview and now wants to make a point.

What do you teach? You certainly didn't read the article very well. No suits required just look professional. Start reading the research when a student wants an answer he or she will ask a friend. When they want the truth they seek out trusted adults. Dressing down does not garner respect that is needed in education.

The postings thus far another example of lack of responsibility. Grow up and accept that your employer has the RIGHT to tell you how to act and dress if you want to continue in their employ. If you don't like the dress code or any other code of conduct expected then you have the RIGHT to go somewhere that is more to your liking. I, for one, appreciate an organization that has clearly defined standards, especially when they are responsible for my children. By law my children have to attend school and take english. I don't need some wingnut telling my impressionable kids that "tats" are ok. IMHO they are not and I don't want my kids to think that they can go get one for any reason until they can make a mature decision about the long last effects they go with tats. HS is tough enough on kids and parents without baloney discussions by a teacher trying to justify his desire to be a little nonconforming to societal standards. The kids have dress standards in most schools seems like it is appropriate for teachers too.

realist is right. Most of my jobs specifically mentioned covering up tattoos while in the work place. And no, I've never worked for the Ogden School District.

Dress codes are not a new thing people. Companies, school districts and other places of employment have the right to set dress standards as long as they don't break the law. Our teachers shouldn't be dressing like or acting like kids. You're adults, act like an adult. And the lame arguments about discrimination are just that - lame. Dressing up will not make the person act professional, but research has shown that our choice of clothing does effect how we act. To the point of the person that said, "you hired him to be an English teacher" - you're right they did, yet he is talking more about teaching the kids to not be judgemental with his tattoos. Sounds like he does use them for a focal point almost to the point of promoting them to these young kids. Grow up people - grow up!

I assume you're trying to make a point that tats are part of the real world, but it's ironic, considering that in the "real world," dress codes are standard at most places you work.

Who's being introduced to the real world? The school board, or the teacher who's finally realising that professionalism is standard?

Teachers are expected to act in a professional manner. Part of their ethics identifies that based on the authority/power dynamic the needs of the students takes precedence over the needs of the teacher. The teachers needs are met monetarily (i.e. they are paid and provided with professional growth opportunities in a safe work environment).

Any teacher arguing their personal "needs" are being violated by having to wear a longer sleeved shirt is showing poor professional decorum.

Students have no recourse in dealing with blinged out, tattooed, teachers with bad breath to boot. The sad reality is that teachers' unions make it necessary that these kinds of expectations be spelled out.

Way to go Ogden, your policies show courage and foresight.

Tatoos are ugly and stupid. I'm inclined to agree with those who would hold teachers to a higher standard. Good for the Ogden School District. Teachers should be role models.

What a bunch of whiners! Time for some teachers to join the real world and dress professionally.

teacher 10:33 "I don't need the school district telling me how to dress."

Maybe you don't, but clearly, some do.

Utah Teacher 10:59 "People with tattoos aren't the "monsters" or "evil" people..."

No one is saying they are. If they truly were "monsters" or "evil", the school district wouldn't be putting out a dress code policy, they would be firing anyone who was a "monster". The school district is merely stating that tatoos, etc, aren't considered "professional".

Just an FYI: We pay you to teach our children the subjects at school (Math, English, Science, etc.), not tolerance and how to start up conversations.