Tweaks Continue on Williamson County School Dress Code Proposal

FRANKLIN, TN — It's been 14 years since the last revision to the Williamson County Schools dress code so the system is still working to perfect the language of what could be a major overhaul.

Even since the first proposal was rolled out earlier this month, some changes have already been made. For example, the initial draft prohibited clothes that accentuated "genitalia, busts or buttocks," but now, the proposal reads that leggings and jeggings will be permitted provided that tops cover the buttocks and genital area, perhaps an acquiescence to the popularity of yoga pants as everyday wear.

Conversations are ongoing, particularly with parents, principals and school board members, according to The Tennessean.

Parent Kay Overlund told the newspaper the system is over-complicating the situation.

"I think they need to stop trying... to come up with every scenario that's possible. Just drill down to a simple clear definition - an opaque covering of the three areas that need to be covered. ... I think they're worried more about the boys' education more than protecting the girls. Girls have bodies and they bring them to school and that's OK," she said.

School board member Anne McGraw said she and her colleagues have to find a way to build a dress code that doesn't put the onus of the behavior of others on to girls.

"As the parent of two young daughters, I'm highly sensitive to the messages we're sending girls about their bodies and appearance," she said in a statement. "Dress codes should give administrators the ability to promote a safe and respectful learning environment, but shouldn't make girls feel like they're responsible for the ability of their peers to 'focus.'"

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