To the Editor,

According to the Public Schools of Robeson County, “students shall be expected to dress in a manner which is neat, clean and proper for a learning environment. They shall not wear clothing or hairstyles which distract other students or which interfere with the classroom participation of other students or which presents a health or safety hazard.”

You’ve seen them everywhere, in the mall, grocery stores and television. Leggings, jeggings (jeans leggings), skinny jeans, yoga pants, bodysuits, tights … they’ve essentially became the go-to accessory for everyday outfits. It has now become apparent that school-age girls have been turned away and demanded to change clothes for reasons of inappropriateness. When did layering oneself with multiple articles of clothing become inappropriate? If I am not mistaken, women for an inordinate length of time have worn panty hoes and tights under their garments. Rather than displaying bare legs all day, one simple decision of layering tights or leggings reassures that one’s body is covered. Leggings have become the replacement for jeans. When worn correctly, one’s body is fully covered by an appropriate length top garment. There is no difference between wearing a dress with tights and a tunic with leggings. It comes down to comfort.

Students, as well as teachers, find contentment in diverse materials, and experts agree that students need to feel comfortable in order to maximize learning. Educators spend more time trying to remove eccentricity when they should be embracing diversity amongst students. Socialization is a key part in development. If educators want to force every student into one mold, institute uniforms into the dress code.

Until then, students should have the opportunity of self expression and individualism.

Fads come and go. Fashion trends have and will be a significant part of the back-to-school process. Kids want to be cool. Leggings, as trivial as it seems, is a concern the Public Schools of Robeson County should not be taking on. Instead, they should harbor energy and efforts toward improving student’s essential grammar, public-speaking skills, foreign languages as well as job and college assistance.

Sarina Maynor

Pembroke