An Alabama public school district is ditching its mandatory uniform policy, freeing the district’s 24,000-plus students to wear whatever they want that complies with the new dress code.

AL.com reports that the Birmingham City Schools board voted Tuesday to do away with the uniform policy, just a little more than two weeks before students head back to school. Students will have the option to continue wearing uniform for the upcoming school year, but may also now wear clothing that meet the dress code.

The school district had required uniforms since 1996.

The details of the new dress code have not yet been released.

Board member Patricia Spigner McAdory says the vote was timed to allow parents to take advantage of the upcoming tax-free shopping weekend.

(Associated Press, copyright 2018)

Sign-up now for our daily newsletter and never miss another article from Yellowhammer News.