If this is a private business, they have a right to refuse service for any reason, as long as that refusal isn’t based on being in a protected class. Tattoos aren’t protected. They can set a dress code for clients and visitors to their property. That said you also have the right to take your business elsewhere if you don’t agree.

Things get a little trickier if this is a public building, but generally speaking public facilities are also allowed to implement a code of conduct as long as it applies equally to everyone. For example, you wouldn’t find it strange for a courthouse to have a dress code, and you wouldn’t find it strange for the judge to hold you in contempt if you didn’t dress appropriately.

Unless you are the only person being required to cover your tattoos, I don’t think you should feel offended. You don’t have to like the rule in order to respect it. If you see others with visible tattoos in the same setting, then I think you would have a valid complaint.

I personally am not a fan of tattoos, but you know what, it’s none of their business how you look. You don’t work there and you aren’t a student. I can’t believe she had the nerve to ask you to cover up. People have tattoos, people have piercings, people have purple hair, whatever. It’s your business, not theirs.

I wonder if people in wheelchairs, or someone with a deformity is also off-putting. I wonder what she would do then. Tell her to mind her own damn business.

This is why Texas has a reputation for being over religious, judgmental jackasses. I would never live there, and I have relatives there.

I’m a heavily tattooed woman. I work a professional job now. I used to be a heavily tattooed woman taking care of people’s kids at a daycare in a town decidedly not tattooed for the most part. People get used to you. Don’t hide it. I go to things for my friends kids at the school all the time here. I participate in things with the kids of pearl clutchers too. I actually had one mom come and quietly thank me for including her child and teaching her child it’s OK to be different too.

Be yourself. It’s fine

The school’s dress code is for the students.

It’s not even for the teachers. I’ve never seen a teacher / admin dress code. As an adult, you’re supposed to know how to dress for the job.

So if the school dress code isn’t even for the people who work there, it’s sure as hell not for the parents.

I’d challenge her on this. Ask her you want to see the written dress code for parental pick-up. If she tries to show you the school dress code point out that it’s for the students.

NTA

I live in SE Texas and have plenty of visible tattoos. Never had anyone say anything less than complimentary. Sounds like she’s a judgemental twit and thinks tattoos are bad. I’m also a substitute teacher so when I’m working my tattoos do have to be covered because I must pass dress code as an employee. Parents are not subject to it and she needs to learn to deal with her discomfort and bias if she’s going to live in the real world. I’m sorry she’s teaching children!

There are 2 ways to look at this – and if you see it as an authoritarian teacher trying to crack a whip – then … Hell No!

But it could be a teacher type telling you that wearing regular pants and shirts will make it easier for you to fit in – and you’ll have a better overall parent experience.

And sometimes when you’re new, there is value in fitting in on the surface, as people seem to appreciate diversity more after some common ground is established.

I work at a public school and saw and HEAVILY tattooed man there to pick up his kids. I smiled and waved as I do every parent. NTA I would consider wearing an absurdly positive tee or tank when picking up but she needs to do her job which is care for and educate children, not judge adults on ink. Unless you have like hate tattoos, gore or overt nudity I don’t see any reason to cover them…

Wow. They need to deal with it. 

Whilst you should absolutely continue wearing your normal gear, I would recommend you approach them everyday with kindness and respect. They have pre-conceived ideas about what type of person you are, and the best thing you could ever do is prove them wrong and show them how long hair and tattoos have nothing to do with the measure of a man. 

Been all over Texas many many times. From Lubbock to Austin to Longview to McGregor and Waco and everywhere in-between. I have never been in an area where I did not see long haired tatted men and women.

This one is hard to believe from my experience.

NTA anyway, even though I’m not sure I believe it.

As an educator in Texas, this is ridiculous. That said, some schools have weird dress code rules for parents like no pajamas, no house shoes, no curlers. But requiring long pants and sleeves?!!! I would address this with her admin. And the superintendent if necessary. Because she is way out of line.

NTA but the post sounds like an American tourist visiting another country and acting like the country you’re visiting is the problem. For you’re own sake don’t be confrontational with women in a Texas. Don’t raise your voice don’t act aggressive nothing, everyone has guns in Texas. 

With all due respect, you’ll exhaust yourself trying to fight the culture.

Don’t wear sleeve and pants because its dumb. But you will be treated badly and perhaps even your son.

And at best your son will start becoming prejudiced as he is influenced by all the yokels.

You need to get the fuck out of Texas. Your kid will never get this time back. If they treat an adult like this just imagine how they will treat your kids. You’re exposing your kids to people like this because of some attachment you have to a house.

Since when is it ok for schools to police people on tattoos? I get some clothing like if certain body parts are falling out, but tattoos??? Pretty sure the no tattoo rule is for the students, not their parents. NTA

It may be possible to shut them up if you said, “2nd amendment. Freedom of speech!” I’m sure they’ll love that thrown back in their face.

Sure, you can open carry but my tattoos are scary. Okay?!

There is absolutely no reason you should be required to cover up. The only thing you MIGHT want to consider is how it will affect your kid. Kids can get picked on because of their parents.

NTA.

but….I would keep tabs on what’s going on in school with your kid. Will she treat your kid differently simply because you’re not playing ball?

But yeah, fuck em.

NTA but For you’re own sake don’t be confrontational with women in a Texas. Don’t raise your voice don’t act aggressive nothing, everyone has guns in Texas. 

If it’s a daycare and you are paying money, I would go somewhere else. Fuck them. If it’s a public school, I would tell them to kick rocks. Fuck them too

I see plenty of people from Texas with tattoos, so this teacher is way overreacting. You are an adult, you do not have to comply with her inane requests.

As a former teacher, if you are just there to pick up your kid and involved with parenting them, U would not give a fuck about your aesthetics. NTA

Ah! Tell her to fuck off. Bet shes a bible bashing Trump voter too .
How awful having to move from Seattle to freakin Texas. Nightmare.

NTA. Some people are so weird about tattoos. It’s one thing to dislike tattoos yet another to try to control what other people do,

You can do what you want , your mom
Is thinking of your son . People can take out there pre judging opinions on your son

“Sounds like you problem, lady. I sure hope you’re not so small minded to hold my appearance against my kid”

Imagine potentially harming your sons social life just because you dont want to show a modicum of modesty.

Texas sounds like an absolute shit hole. Not once have I ever heard a good thing about Texas.

NTA.

Not saying your point is wrong p, but will your child be singled out and picked on because of this?

I call bullshit. I’m a teacher in Texas and we have both parents and staff with visible tattoos.

NTA. She shouldn’t have shit to say about your tats and you should probably make a complaint.

” I’m going to need that request in email form please”
That ought to shut her up

Must live in BFE. Most major cities in Texas won’t bat an eye at tatted up folks

NTA.

You don’t attend the school. The dress code doesn’t apply to you.

NTA

You are in Texas. Judgmental, narrow minded bigots proliferate.

You don’t like Texas… why not sell the house and go to a blue state?

NTA

Going from Seattle to TX… oof, I’m sorry man.

Nta and your mom is wrong. They are judgemental AHs.

Pull a Randy Marsh and show up in a crop top