STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1739

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.C.R. No. 145

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 145 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP AND ENFORCE NON-SEX SEGREGATED DRESS CODES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL FORMAL EVENTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to develop and enforce non-sex segregated dress codes for public school formal events to create a positive and safe space for all students.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the non-profit SOAR, from seven individuals and from a group of Students and Educators of Hawaii which submitted a letter with over 100 signatures.

Your Committee finds that current public school sex-segregated dress codes need to be updated to align with Hawaii State laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and expression. Your Committee further finds that these outdated dress codes exclude students from attending school events such as graduation or proms. Your Committee appreciates the work and initiative of High School students for authoring this measure to make school events safe spaces for all students.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 145 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair