If there’s ever an age at which students are extra-sensitive about their bodies, it’s probably during their high school years. That’s why teachers and principals should be especially sensitive towards their body image.
Today, let’s talk about someone who wasn’t.
Dress codes are kinda necessary.
It doesn’t have to consist of a full uniform, but most schools, like most offices, have some kind of dress code in place. Sometimes, dress codes can get a tad controversial.
This went down at a high school in South Carolina.
Stratford High School in Goose Creek, South Carolina, found itself in the headlines after its principal answered a question that nobody asked about leggings. It turned into a real debacle.
Principal Heather Taylor made the comments.
At a school board meeting , Taylor was talking about dress codes when she veered off into uncharted territory to share her thoughts about leggings…and why only slim people should really wear them.
Oof.
Here’s the quote. It’s, uh, really something, isn’t it? Usually dress code issues have to deal with exposed skin. Leggings are practical, inexpensive and non-revealing. Why did they even come into the conversation in the first place?
As it turns out, leggings aren’t explicitly stated in the school’s dress code to be size-specific.
According to the code , inappropriate attire for students include see-through clothing, anything with vulgar or obscene language/wording/symbols, and athletic shorts that stop above the mid-thigh, among other things.
As for leggings, it states: “Leggings, tights, yoga pants and spandex must be worn under clothing that cover to mid-thigh.” No mention of legging-wearers having to be either a size 2 or zero, however.
The reaction was swift.
Principal Taylor’s unforced error was heard by the parents and students assembled at the meeting. Very quickly, her thoughts on what makes students look fat spread over the internet.
Some students were upset.
Understandably so, given the principal’s lack of tact and apparent disregard for people who don’t fit her image of what a leggings-wearer should be. Sophomore Allison Veazey expressed her disappointment with the principal’s comments.
Others supported the principal.
A group of graduating seniors threw the principal a bit of a pity party, going so far as to apologize to her for what they perceived to be nasty things said about Principal Taylor.
Taylor accepted the apology and apologized, sorta.
She expressed remorse and didn’t say much more. So this didn’t exactly seem like the most genuine apology ever. More like someone who received backlash for something they said and apologized more for deciding to say that thing rather than for meaning it.
Since her comments went viral for the wrong reasons, Taylor has released a statement to the students of Stratford High.
In the statement , the principal said that her intention “was not to hurt or offend any of my students in any way.”
“I assured them that I am one of their biggest fans and invested in their success,” she wrote.
In the same statement, she said that she hopes everyone can move past this and enjoy the rest of the school year.
“After speaking with our students and receiving their support, I am confident that, together, we are ready to move forward and have a wonderful year.”
For good measure, Taylor also added, “Stratford High is a very caring community, and I want to thank all of our parents and student who have offered their support to me and provided me with an opportunity to directly address their concern.”
Leggings: wear them.
I’m a dude who lacks the courage to wear leggings. But they look super practical and super comfy, and I’d encourage all to wear them…even if some principal in South Carolina thinks they make you look fat.
What do you think?
It’s hard to say why the principal started talking about leggings in the first place. Share your thoughts, along with any spicy school board gossip you’ve witnessed, in the comments section!
h/t: WCBD-TV NBC News
