Federal judge dismisses dress code lawsuit filed by SD tribe; parents may file a new one

Judge dismisses school dress code lawsuit in SD

ABERDEEN, S.D. — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to prevent a South Dakota school district from imposing a dress code.

U.S. District Judge Charles Kornmann took the action Thursday after learning that the Cheyenne River Sioux tribal council, which filed the suit, had withdrawn its support.

He also said there was no proof that the lawsuit was legally served on the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District and its officials.

Some parents had complained they couldn’t afford the required clothing — black, white or tan shirts, pants, skirts or shorts. Two parents who had joined the tribal government in filing the suit said they will likely file a new challenge.

School officials say the dress code already has helped reduce gang-related behavior problems.