EBR Superintendent LaMont Cole Implements New Dress Code, Backed by Unions
BATON ROUGE, La. — As LaMont Cole prepares for his first day as superintendent of East Baton Rouge Schools, he sets a new standard for professionalism within the district. On August 6, Cole issued a memo titled "Dress Code Expectations" to all Central Office and administrative staff, outlining specific guidelines for workplace attire.
The memo, which emphasizes business casual dress, prohibits sneakers and flip-flops and enforces personal grooming standards, reflects Cole's commitment to fostering a professional environment. The dress code also includes provisions for casual dress on certain pre-approved days but restricts wearing jeans until the district no longer has schools with D and F ratings.
The memo was well-received by union leaders. Angela Reams-Brown, President of the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers and Support Workers, voiced her support for the initiative. "I think it’s what we need," Reams-Brown said. Although she first learned about the memo through a media inquiry, Reams-Brown and other union leaders had previously discussed staff attire during a meeting with Cole on Monday.
Reams-Brown highlighted the importance of holding staff to the same standards expected of students, who are required to wear uniforms. "We require our students to adhere to a uniform code, so it makes sense that the people giving these directives—teachers, support staff, clerical workers—should also follow a professional dress code," she explained.
Superintendent Cole stressed that the dress code is about more than just appearance. "It's not just about the clothes we wear; it's about the culture and environment we create," Cole said, emphasizing the need for administrators to lead by example.
