Should Yoga Pants and Leggings Be Banned in Schools?

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By Liz Taurasi (Patch staff)

Dress codes exist at schools throughout the Commonwealth, and at Marlborough public schools, 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 on 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, MA, 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, CA, 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.”

Leggings and yoga pants are not banned in Marlborough schools, but the dress code is fairly specific about what students can and cannot wear to school.

In the latest student handbook available, it states, “We believe that Marlborough High School students should take pride in their personal appearance.”

The following guidelines are “recommended for appropriate dress:” Student dress should not create a disruption or distraction that could directly interfere with the educational process. 1. Students should refrain from wearing skirts, shorts or dresses that are excessively short. 2. Designs on clothing, which are vulgar, obscene, and profane or display illegal substances, alcohol, or tobacco products, are not allowed. 3. In an effort to create a safe environment, the wearing of hats, bandanas, hoods, or any material that covers the face is prohibited. Hats should be placed in locker upon arrival to school. They may not be carried, placed on belts or strapped on backpacks. Headbands are not to be worn around the neck. *Exceptions for religious or medical circumstances should be addressed with Assistant Principals on an individual basis. 4. Clothing reflecting any gang affiliation is not permitted. 5. Pants/trousers should be worn at waist level. Students who are not in compliance with the clothing guidelines will be asked to put on appropriate clothes or a parent/guardian will be called to bring clothes to school. The student will remain in the Assistant Principal’s office until the student is dressed appropriately.

View the Marlborough schools’ dress code, and 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.