In the latest edition of “people who need to STFU,” I give you the principal of Stratford High School in South Carolina who was caught on videotape saying some really disgusting things about female students at her school.
The comments revolved around leggings – every high school girl’s go-to pants attire for school because honestly, nothing is more comfortable than leggings (I wear them to work, to school, to formal occasions if I can). The comment, however, was in poor taste and absolutely falls into the realm of “body-shaming.”
According to ABC News 4, Principal Heather Taylor was caught during a meeting discussing the school’s dress code saying:
(Leggings are) meant to wear underneath a long shirt that covers your heiny, or a long sweater of some type, or a dress. It is not meant to be your actual pants, and if you have a shirt that comes to here, then you are showing everything. Yes, everything. The sad thing is with that, ladies — if someone has not told you this before, I’m going to tell you this now — unless you are a size zero or a two, and you wear something like that, even though you are not fat, you look fat.
Obviously, after her rude and inappropriate comments were leaked, people were severely unhappy with her – especially students and parents. The school’s Facebook page was flooded with comments from parents, students and other people online who were outraged by Taylor’s comments – however, the school has been deleting said comments on their page (go figure).
After the backlash, Taylor issued this statement saying:
Yesterday and this morning, I met with each class of the Stratford High School student body. I addressed a comment made during a 10th grade assembly and shared from my heart that my intention was not to hurt or offend any of my students in any way. I assured them all that I am one of their biggest fans and invested in their success. After speaking with our students and receiving their support, I am confident that, together, we are ready to move forward and have a wonderful year. Stratford High is a very caring community, and I want to thank all of our parents and students who have offered their support to me and provided me with an opportunity to directly address their concern. I am very proud to be a Stratford Knight.
According to the school’s policy, leggings are not allowed to be worn as pants anyway and, require something covering the leggings or spandex pants up to girl’s mid thigh (like, a skirt).
Either way, the comments made are inappropriate and offensive to young girls, especially high school girls who are going through changes to their body and, who are susceptible to issues with body image and body positivity. Not appropriate for the principal of a high school to be saying – amiright?