I would like the new Echols Dress Code that was sent home with your child on the first day of school to be changed.  The main part that I would like to see removed from this Not Allowed list is: "Tights, Spandex Athletic Pants and Leggings."  

When I emailed Mr. Stapp about the changes, this was his response: 

"Actually this year, due to our continued issues with tights and leggings, they are not allowing these to be worn.  With a skirt or dress is fine but not as stand alone bottoms."   Although, the policy does not specify male or female, I believe Mr. Stapp's comment implies that the no leggings policy is targeting females. 

This new policy was given to students AFTER school started. Most school clothes shopping was done prior to the start of school.  The tab labeled Dress Code 2022-2023 on the Echols homepage is stagnant.  Therefore, there was not an opportunity to review the policy changes before the 1st day of school.  My daughter bought a few shirts and 5 pairs of leggings with the intent to wear them to school.  I think we can all agree that the desire to wear leggings is a comfort issue and nothing more.  The students are no longer permitted to dress out in PE attire.  So they are expected to wear jeans, skirts or dresses during PE.

In my opinion the dress code is sexist. It puts the responsibility on girls to not be distracting or not call attention to themselves instead of putting the responsibility on ALL students AND teachers to respect everyone's body.

The time spent on dress coding these students can lead to less instruction time and could hinder academic performance.  This time could be used to monitor the halls & bathrooms for things of greater importance such as:

Drug Use & trafficking, fighting, extreme bullying and sexual behavior 

All of the above has happened on our campus at Echols.  It seems as if the school is spiraling out of control and the new dress code policy is a way to try and control something without much effort.

I do not feel like everyone should be punished because there those that do not follow the rules.  

If you agree with me, please help me by signing this petition for removing the no tights, spandex athletic pants & leggings policy.