MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake High School Principal Josh Meek responded to rumors Monday that the school is banning camouflage clothing.

Rumors spread through the school and social media that camouflage clothing had been banned, Spokane television station KREM 2 reported Monday evening.

The rumors are not true, said Meek.

"A lot of the concerns that have been brought toward us are dress code-related concerns," he said. "The story's not true. We have not banned camouflage, we have not banned regular jeans, we haven't banned cowboy boots or any of the things that are being perceived we did."

The dress code is printed in the student handbook, which students reviewed on the second day of school, said Meek. The dress code has not changed, although there has been a greater emphasis on enforcing it this year, he said.

"The reality is that in the past sometimes some of these issues were not at the top of a priority list, but this year we have been able to focus on some of those things and to focus on creating the best learning environment possible," he said.

The school sent a letter to parents last Friday explaining the dress code to help dispel the rumors.

The current Moses Lake High School dress code is:

"Any students in violation of the dress code will be referred to an administrator.

"The student will be required to change out of the clothing or cover it until school is over ....

"1. Anything endorsing or implying the use of substances not legally available to minors, containing racial slurs, having profane, violent, or sexual connotations is not permitted.

"2. Shoes are required at all times. Lab classes require closed toe shoes.

"3. Due to different classroom environments hat policy is at teacher's professional discretion.

"4. Pants and skirts are to be worn at the waistline. Shorts and skirts are to be no more than a fingertip length, Spandex or similar type of fabrics are not allowed.

"5. No spaghetti straps, no tank tops with straps less than 1" width, no bare midriffs, or styles that show one's underwear.

"6. Additionally, no student shall wear, possess, distribute, or display any clothing, jewelry, sign, or any other item, which by virtue of its color, arrangement, symbol, or any other attribute, is evidence of membership in or affiliation with a gang.

"8. Extra-curricular activities can require more specific and/or restrictive dress regulations deemed appropriate by the advisor, coach, and/or administration. These regulations are pre-determined and appropriate for the given activity."