The Texas Department of Agriculture has a new dress code that requires employees to dress according to their biological sex. The move by Republican Sid Miller's Department sparked controversy from the moment it was announced.
The new dress code applies to all state Department of Agriculture employees, interns and contractors. Several disciplinary measures are listed, which the department says will encourage compliance.
Employees are expected to comply with this dress code in a manner consistent with their biological sex. The basic elements for proper attire in all areas consist of clean and well-maintained clothing.
The Department of Agriculture's text specifies what it defines as correct attire. Depending on the tasks performed by the employee, each individual is invited to dress in "business attire" or "relaxed business attire." The new standard provides examples for both sexes.
Men are asked to wear their shirts buttoned up and tucked into their pants. Women are allowed to wear pants but skirts must be a certain length. Under no circumstances are department employees allowed wear sandals, flip-flops or Crocs. "You're a professional. Look like one," says the text signed by Sid Miller.
Western attire is included in the relaxed business attire category and is recommended. Jeans must not be ragged or torn. Cowboy hats should reflect favorably on the professionalism of the agency and in no case should they be dirty or torn.
Brian Klosterboer, an attorney for the ACLU Texas, told the Texas Tribune that the dress code pushed by Miller could go against the First Amendment. It would also go against Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prevents discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Miller defended his dress code in an email the Daily Mail reportedly received from him. "Common sense dress code policies are still legal in the state of Texas and the Texas Department of Agriculture," responded the Texas Agriculture official.
Texas has already become the target of progressive attacks several times after promoting several laws against wokism. Last March and April, the Texas Senate passed bills to ban the influence of Critical Race Theory at universities. The state also took a stance against trans male athletes participating in women's sports competitions. Texas legislates from a biological sex standpoint without delving into theories of gender self-determination.
