Should Yoga Pants and Leggings Be Banned in Schools?

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)

Dress codes exist at schools throughout the Commonwealth, and at Arlington High School it’s no different.

However, as has been the case in many years, schools in various cities and towns throughout the state are banning the wearing of yoga pants and leggings, both of which are a staple in many young women’s wardrobes.

As the first day of school begins at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich, students will not be allowed to wear uncovered yoga pants or leggings, the Cape Cod Times reported Monday.

The decision, school Principal William Terranova told the Times, is in addition to the school’s dress code policy and that these items can be worn if they are covered by shorts or a skirt. He goes on to say the ban on both yoga pants and leggings is to help prepare students at the school for the realities of the work world come graduation.

Over the past couple of years the issue of yoga pants and leggings in schools has become a hot topic with schools across the country making the call that they are simply not appropriate for a learning environment.

In February 2014, Rockport, middle and high school banned them after teachers said they were too distracting to other students. After several students were forced to change or sent home for more appropriate clothing, the school re-examined its policy and and dropped the ban.

In 2013, a middle school in Petaluma, Calif., prohibited students from wearing them, again saying they were distracting with the school’s principal saying“the appropriate attire contributes to a positive learning environment.”

While leggings and yoga pants aren’t banned in Arlington, the dress code is specific about what students are and are not allowed to wear to school:

Student Dress

“All students must wear appropriate footgear while in school, and are required to be dressed so that they do not inhibit either the teaching or learning process. The principal, assistant principal and house deans shall make the final decision on any clothing or outfit that inhibits the teaching or learning process. Clothes should not impede the identification of a student, for example:

Hooded sweatshirts must be worn down during the school day.

Sunglasses must not be worn during the school day.

Clothing imprinted with vulgar or obscene language or artwork, or displaying illegal substances, alcohol or tobacco products is not allowed. Clothing that displays slogans or messages contrary to the AHS mission, i.e., Snitches Get Stitches, or features gang colors or styles is not allowed.

Students are required to wear clothing that completely cover under garments. All tops and dresses worn during the school day must have straps holding them up.

Students enrolled in, culinary arts, physical education, science labs, etc., may have additional clothing requirements in order to ensure a student’s health and safety.

Students who fail to meet student dress requirement will be asked to put on clothes that meet the code and may face disciplinary consequences.”

View Arlington’s High School’s Dress Code on Page 28 of the Student Handbook >>>

What do you think? Should leggings and yoga pants be banned in our public schools? Do you agree with those who say they are distracting? Tell us in the comments section below.