Should Yoga Pants and Leggings Be Banned in Schools?

Patch File Photo

By Liz Taurasi (Patch staff)

Dress codes exist at schools throughout the Commonwealth, and in Waltham 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 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 at Waltham High School, but the dress code is pretty specific as to what students can and cannot wear to school.

In the student handbook, it states, “Parents and students are expected to exercise proper discretion as to the type of clothing that should be worn in school.”

The following guidelines apply to all students:

• Clothing should be neat, clean and conform to acceptable health standards
• Clothing and shoes should be practical, providing protection for the body and feet.
• Clothing and/or accessories representing a group or groups that promote violence are not acceptable.
• Wallet chains can be dangerous and are unacceptable and not to be worn.
• Students should dress sensibly and decently. T-shirts and buttons should not be offensive.
• Hats/Headgear may not be worn in school and may be confiscated at any time.
• Shorts must be of appropriate style and length. Skirts and shorts will not be shorter than mid-thigh.
• Tank tops, bare midriff, and strapless apparel are unacceptable. Clothing must cover all parts of the torso
• Students violating the dress code will be sent home to change.

Waltham High School’s handbook states that should a student wear something offensive or unacceptable, there are T-shirts available in the office to cover them.

“We need your help and cooperation to ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for an adolescent school setting.”

View the Waltham High School dress code and handbook here.

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.