A North Carolina school district has declared war on a popular clothing trend, asking that all students leave their skinny jeans at home.
The New Hanover County school district tweeted a link to their updated dress code policy on Monday.
Students: What do you think about changes made to district's Student Dress Policy? https://t.co/jmEoe6aFpa#policy8520
— New Hanover Co Sch (@NewHanoverCoSch) May 16, 2016
The rules are apparently meant to prevent students’ clothes from “disrupt[ing] the educational process or constitut[ing] a threat to the health or safety of others.”
Writing in the document explains, “No leggings, ‘skinny jeans’ or other excessively tight fitting pants unless covered by a top or dress to the appropriate length. (The length of the top or dress shall cover the posterior area
in its entirety.)”
Twitter reacted as expected: with outrage.
@NewHanoverCoSch what am I supposed to wear to school??? Curtains???
— Amber Ray (@amber_rayy) May 16, 2016
@NewHanoverCoSch pic.twitter.com/vpGWdsdBdy
— macey (@maceyaustin_) 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
@NewHanoverCoSch As a parent I think this is ridiculous.
— Erin (@efortiscue78) May 16, 2016
@NewHanoverCoSch pic.twitter.com/Qbxk5ECrzk
— Josh Hill (@Josh_T_Hill) May 16, 2016
According to Time, which cites a local news station, New Hanover County School Board Vice Chair Jeannette Nichols said one reason for the policy change “was that some of the ‘bigger girls’ were getting bullied because of their tight jeans.”