Gender-neutral dress code

Trevor Wilkinson, an openly gay teen in Abilene, Texas, was suspended several times for wearing nail polish because it didn't comply with the dress code policy. He thought the policy, banning males from wearing makeup and nail polish , should be more gender-neutral so all students feel accepted regardless of their identity.⁠

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With the help of Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Texas, Wilkinson went to school board meetings to advocate for a policy change. On Monday, the school district voted to amend its policy.

"Forcing students to follow gender stereotypes is outdated, unconstitutional, and harmful. We are thankful that the school district has changed its discriminatory dress code. This would not have been possible without Trevor's advocacy and bravery on this issue."⁠

-Brian Klosterboer

Staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas