Mar 28, 2012
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A Connecticut school district is considering revisions to the dress code that could put the squeeze on skinny jeans.
The Meriden Board of Education decided to take action on form-fitting clothing at the request of principals at the high schools and middle schools. They had serious concerns about students wearing clothing that revealed undergarments and private body parts.
“There’s a place for everything in life, and those pants don’t belong in school,” said Maloney High School principal Ann Hushin in an interview with Patch.com. “You don’t go in front of a judge with pants hanging down, to church with pants hanging down.”
The proposed changes would ban skinny jeans, leotards, jeggings, spandex as well as tight or revealing clothing. The rules would also ban skirts, shorts, dresses and pants from allowing undergarments and private body areas to be “evident or visible.”
Not only are a number of students opposed to the ban – but so is the Meriden Teachers Union.
“There’s an unbelievable amount of time going into enforcing the dress code,” union representative Geoffrey Kenyon told the Record-Journal newspaper. He said the proposed ban has created an “us versus them mentality.”
Pop culture expert Garrett Albanesius said the school board needs to rethink the issue.
“Skinny jeans are harmless,” Albanesius told Fox News. “They’re about as risky as a tight t-shirt or a sweater that’s a size too small. Fashion is about expressing yourself – and skinny jeans are a much more innocuous way of doing it than pink hair or a tattoo.”
But board members argue that students are expected to wear clothing that doesn’t disrupt the education process.
Still Albanesius said even professionals are wearing slim-fitted suits and tight jackets.
“It’s 2012,” he said. “Society has to adapt to a change in culture – including fashion.”
He said educators should not fear new fashion trends.
“Educators don’t necessarily have to dress fashionably,” he said. “But they shouldn’t prevent others from doing so if they wish – as long as it’s appropriate, of course.”
The board could vote on revising the dress code rules next month.
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“Educators don’t necessarily have to dress fashionably,” he said. “But they shouldn’t prevent others from doing so if they wish – as long as it’s appropriate, of course.”.
Hello? That is PRECISELY what they are debating….what is or is not appropriate attire in school.
hey A R– stopped at a convenience store across from the local high school– saw young ladies (?) low cut– I mean pubis low– and tight– I mean second skin— crop tops– I mean lower breast visible if they waved at a friend— or jeans so tight– you could read the dates on the quarters in their pockets– that was the girls—the guys– were just slobs– and some– it seemed to be a trend with the black guys who had white girlfriends— took to walking together– not holding hands– but with his hand down the back of her jeans and cupping her ass– I could say more– but don't think it necessary—
my son and both my daughters wear skinny jeans, and no pubes or other stick out. They look fab, thank you. the kids you saw, David, were just wearing clothes that didn't fit.
and as I recall, back when I was in high school 1979-1982 I had to lie on the bed to zip my pants up… lol. and those were not skinny jeans.
There are many lessons that we (as parents) should be teaching our children, but don't. I feel sad that the school feels that they have to put a stop to this trend of outlandish clothing since parents won’t. I believe it is our Job as Parent to teach our children: Sons and Daughters alike to respect their bodies.
They do not have to show everyone in the school i.e. the world what they have to offer physically. I am not saying that kids should not put effort into dressing good. However, when girls are wearing pants that are too tight not just form fitting but two to three sizes tighter than what really fits, and skirts that if they yawn you will see their underwear, this is too much. Boy wear pants that hang down to their knee's with underwear handing out. Yuck!
This should not be the schools job, it should be ours.
I don't see a problem with banning skinny jeans or tight clothes. It's school. It's not a freakin fashion show. I think public schools should have a uniform. Like khakis and a polo or something. Then you might cut down on some bullying. I know I didn't ever have the "fashionable" clothes and it didn't affect my ability to learn.
You can express yourself in art class, English class, etc. You don't need to express your fashion at school. Do that after.