

Our View: Employers have a right to establish dress codes

2:58 AM, Jul. 10, 2013  |  Comments
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Much has been said - and will continue to be said, we're sure - about an individual's right to decorate and adorn his or her body.

We totally agree that it's your body and you can do what you want.

But we also agree that an employer has the right to establish a dress code for employees that reflects the level of professionalism or the kind of casual atmosphere that the employer expects in the workplace.

You don't see people at heavy industrial sites walking around in flip-flops. They're wearing steel-toed boots.

You don't see bankers in faded jeans with holes in the knees, or pants held up by a belt somewhere around the knees. Even in today's more casual environment, they're wearing khakis, belted somewhere close to the waist.

Attorneys don't go to court in tank tops. If judges still have to wear robes, those appearing before them better uphold the decorum.

We laughingly recall the day when The News-Star's dress code specifically said, "No cat suits."

So now, the conversation has come down to your body art, and where you can and cannot display it if you're a law enforcement officer.


They're actually late to the party. Most law enforcement agencies already employ similar policies.

The current New Orleans policy allows tattoos as long as they're not offensive, but the new policy will require officers with any tattoos on their arms to wear long-sleeved shirts. Any officer with a tattooed neck will have to cover the ink with makeup.

New York, Los Angeles and Baltimore police have similar policies, department spokeswoman Remi Braden said. "The absence of visible tattoos gives a more professional appearance to law enforcement officers," she said.

But the police union is objecting, saying it will hurt morale and recruitment.

Now, it's easy to argue that if you're calling 911 for help, you don't really care if the first responder has a tattoo, sports a nose ring, is wearing a tank top, or has on flip flops.

Society is much less judgmental about body art than it was even 10 years ago. Professional workplace dress also is much more casual - even the stuffiest offices often shed the suits and ties.

But in the end, the employer has the right to establish professional demeanor, and dress codes are a part of that.

When you get that piercing or tattoo, it's your body. It's your right of self expression.

But it does not mean your employer - or future employer - wants to see it in the workplace.

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