Are Leggings Inappropriate For School? One Teen Sends A Message After Being Told To Change

By SheSpeaksTeam Jan 01, 2016

With every week that passes, it seems there is a new story of how a teenage girl feels she was body shamed when sent home for violating her school’s dress code. Most of the time we hear about a skirt deemed too short or a top that shows too much shoulder. But one Oklahoma teen was literally covered from top to bottom when she was told her outfit was not appropriate for school and sent home by teachers.

Today reports about 17 year old Rose Lynn’s ordeal with her school’s dress code and what she did to fight back and make a statement. On the day she was sent home for violating her high school’s dress code she was wearing black leggings, a white top and an oversized cardigan. Before sending her home to change teachers told her that the outfit was too distracting and inappropriate for school.

Lynn felt that how she was treated was unfair and instead of keeping quiet she decided to send her school a message, literally. The 17 year old returned to school wearing a long baggy white shirt over her leggings with the words, “If it doesn't cover your crotch, you'll distract the boys” scrolled across her top.

This incident in Oklahoma is definitely not to first time a teenage girl has been chastised for wearing the ever-trendy leggings to school. The creation of the hashtag #FreeTheLeggings was started after 40 high school students were pulled out of their classrooms in Tennessee for wearing the snug pants.

Rose Lynn subsequently took to social media to sound off about her school’s dress code and what she feels is a double standard. She posted a photo of what she wore to school that got her into trouble and the shirt she created after being sent home.” Lynn writes, “Because I'm developed farther than the average girl my age, I am required to go home and change. Yet, if I was skin and bones or over weight, (not to offend anyone) I would be over looked and no comment would be made, (AT MY PARTICULAR SCHOOL.)” The teen was shocked upon learning that her post went viral receiving close to 20,000 shares and over 20,000 likes.

Lynn’s mom, Misti Evans Delgado, explains how she feels the school is in the wrong here and she stands by her daughter. Delgado says, “She wasn't doing anything wrong. The only thing the school could tell me is that my daughter was mocking them. All of the girls are wearing these clothes. I stood up for her and said that they started it with her so they have to expect a reaction. Everything on her was covered, so why are they sending her home and causing her to miss class? What kind of message does that send?”

What do you think of this teen being sent home for violating her school’s dress code?

Do you think leggings are inappropriate for school?

Make a Comment

Comments

by lorizouiten | PUNTA GORDA, FL

Feb 19, 2016

I don't think that leggings are meant to worn as pants. Leggings are way to thin. Most times you can see the persons underwear. Yes wear leggings if you have a long tunic or a short dress. Leggings are not inappropriate for school as long as they are worn with something that covers areas of the body that shouldn't be seen. My personal opinion.

by sharman421 | TALLAHASSEE, FL

Jan 27, 2016

Schools have dress codes that don't often keep up with the trends. There is such a thing, however, as dressing appropriately for the situation. You wouldn't wear a bikini on a job interview, nor would you wear a nightgown to the office. Both are comfortable. What if a young, well-endowed female teacher came to school wearing a tight tank top with cleavage hanging out and a short skirt? It would be a distraction. Or if a male teacher came to school with his pants down beneath his buttocks and a muscle-cut work-out T-shirt? So, dress codes are for a reason. I love leggings. They are very comfortable. But they are like ballet clothes. Would you wear tights and a leotard to your job or your school unless it happened to be a dance school or aerobics class? Probably not. Tights are fine with a skirt or dress. And that is exactly what leggings are. Kids, Stop whining on social media about non-existent "body-shaming" and go do your homework!

by Jennyfr | FOND DU LAC, WI

Jan 20, 2016

Whether I feel it is appropriate or not means nothing in this situation. IF the school has a dress code it should be followed by everyone. Obviously the shirt in the before picture was supposed to be covering everything just like the long cardigan. What a school feels is appropriate and a parent or teen feels is appropriate are two completely different things. I would be willing to bet that even if the young men wore leggings they would also have to cover the front and the back. Just be lucky you don't have to wear school uniforms!

by gracepignatare | GRANVILLE, MA

Jan 08, 2016

What in the world is wrong with wearing leggings to school? What is the big deal? All this says to me is...go out and buy them in every color...apparently they are comfortable and popular! That a something a middle age mom of four little kids thinks! I'm 37 and if I can be comfy and wear something that is in style finally I'm going to do it! Why on earth would I not allow my own daughters go do the same! Ridiculous! Can someone please explain the problem here?

by sylviareyna | FULLERTON, CA

Jan 08, 2016

I think if you want to wear them wear them. If you feel good comfortable and confident more power to you. DO WHST MAKES YOU HAPPY.

by pookiepura | LANDRUM, SC

Jan 06, 2016

I'm sorry, but I don't see that as "body shaming" at all. Simply put, there is a dress code in schools and apparently it was being violated by this young lady and she was sent home as a result. There is no body shaming on display here. Everyone isn't a victim. Not to mention that common sense would tell you that leggings are not pants and if you are going to wear them as pants, yes, you should wear a top that fully covers your bottom.