Support features like this with our Southpoint Summer fundraiser on GoFundMe!
In Durham Public Schools, safety isn’t just about locked doors and fire drills. It’s also about dignity, inclusion, and belonging – because no student can thrive academically if they don’t feel seen and respected.
In Part 3 of our series, Southpoint Access dives into how DPS works to build safe, supportive school environments through its nondiscrimination policies, dress code updates, gender support systems, and anti-bullying framework.
🛡️ A Commitment to Equity for Every Student
DPS policy is clear: Discrimination, harassment, and bullying will not be tolerated.
This includes – but is not limited to – protections for students based on:
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or national origin
- Gender identity or sexual orientation
- Immigration status
- Socioeconomic or academic status
- Disability (physical, developmental, or sensory)
- Physical appearance or body size
These policies apply to students, employees, volunteers, and school visitors. Anyone who feels targeted has the right to report it – and to be taken seriously.
📞 Concerns can be brought to:
- Title IX Coordinator: Karin Beckett (919-560-2066)
- Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Dr. Ayesha Hunter (919-560-2000)
📌 Policy Reference: 1710 / 4021 / 7230
👕 Understanding the DPS Dress Code
Durham’s current dress code – updated in June 2022 – is designed to support equity and dignity, not policing or shaming.
🚫 Prohibited Items (indoors, unless for approved reasons):
- Hats, do-rags, bonnets, scarves, sweatbands, visors
- Hoods pulled up over the head
- Bandanas and similar headgear
Students may still wear:
- Religious or medically necessary headwear
- Coats or hooded clothing (as long as the hood isn’t worn indoors)
- Hats or toboggans outdoors when weather-appropriate
The dress code intentionally avoids language that disproportionately affects students based on race, gender identity, or body type.
📌 Policy Reference: 4316
🌈 Gender Support Guidelines: Affirming LGBTQIA+ Students and Staff
Durham Public Schools has adopted a Gender Support Policy that outlines how schools should support students of all gender identities.
The goal is to create a school culture that recognizes and respects:
- Students’ affirmed names and pronouns
- Their right to use gender-affirming facilities (restrooms, locker rooms)
- Their participation in school activities consistent with their identity
- Their privacy and safety
The policy also requires ongoing professional development for staff to ensure respectful, informed support.
📌 Policy Reference: 1735 – LGBTQIA+ and Gender Supports
📱 Bullying and Harassment: Know the Policy, Know Your Rights
DPS defines bullying as:
“Any repeated, systematic pattern of gestures, communication, or physical acts that place a student or employee in fear or interfere with their ability to learn or work.”
Bullying may be based on appearance, ability, identity, or other protected traits – and DPS encourages immediate reporting.
🚨 Reporting options:
- Talk to a teacher, school counselor, or principal
- Anonymous reporting is allowed, though it may not lead to formal discipline on its own
DPS also prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports bullying or participates in an investigation.
📌 Policy Reference: 4021 / 1710 / 7230
📣 If You Need to Report a Concern
Don’t wait. If your child shares something that feels unsafe, exclusionary, or discriminatory:
- Encourage them to speak with a trusted adult at school.
- Contact your school’s counselor, principal, or administrator.
- If concerns are not resolved, contact the appropriate DPS equity office or the school board.
All policies referenced are linked or explained in full at:
📘 DPS Board Policy Search
🔜 Coming Next: Part 4 – “Grades, Testing, and Academic Expectations”
In our next installment, we’ll explain how DPS approaches grading, test schedules, final exams, promotion standards, and what “credit by demonstrated mastery” really means.
Get Connected
- Send email to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news
- Follow on Bluesky
- Join our Discord community
- Join the Southpoint Access subreddit!
Author: Wes Platt
Lead storyteller. Game designer and journalist. Recovering Floridian. Email: southpointaccessnews@gmail.com.
