Students Outraged Over School’s Position That Skinny Jeans Distract From Education

Depending on which fashion magazine you subscribe to, skinny jeans are either on their way out or they are here to stay. That distinction could soon be a bit less ambiguous for students in one North Carolina school district currently debating a ban on the tight jeans.

The New Hanover County School System in Wilmington is discussing a new dress code that would ban, among other things, skinny jeans, leggings, and “other excessively tight-fitting pants,” BuzzFeed News reports.

The update to policy 8520 wouldn’t exactly outlaw the bottoms. Instead, students would only be permitted to wear them if they also had on a long top or dress that covers “the posterior area in its entirety.”

A spokesperson for the school system says that the policy is being considered as a way to decrease distractions from learning.

“The intent of it is basically just to make sure the focus in the classroom is on teaching and learning and nothing is being worn that can distract from that,” the spokesperson said.

Despite those claims, WECT reported previously that the school board vice chair said the policy was meant to curb the harassment of “bigger girls” who are bullied because of their tight jeans.

The school system has asked for input on the issue from students, parents, and other community members. And those constituents have apparently been happy to oblige.

Unsurprisingly, the prospect of no longer being able to slip on a pair of skinny jeans before heading to first period is not sitting well with students.

@NewHanoverCoSch http://pic.twitter.com/vpGWdsdBdy

— macey (@maceyaustin_) May 16, 2016

@NewHanoverCoSch how about you turn your attention to what we come to school for, education. Rather than bring your attention to our bodies.

— Baby (@katy_leas) May 16, 2016

@NewHanoverCoSch I only own 3 pairs of jeans & they're all tight fitting. I wear leggings 4/5 days because they're comfortable & convenient.

— Foot™ (@toastyhan) May 16, 2016

Constituents also took issue with the idea that the policy was meant to address harassment of any students, noting that the school system should confront that issue head on, not through clothing.

The school board is expected to discuss the policy and feedback at a June 1 meeting.

This, of course, is not the first time that skinny jeans have come under fire. Last year, doctors warned that squatting in the tight jeans could lead to nerve damage.

A School System May Ban Skinny Jeans And Students Are Not Happy About It [BuzzFeed News]

by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist