Principal Tells Students No Leggings 'Unless You Are a Size 0 Or 2'

A South Carolina high school principal received backlash for telling students they should only wear leggings if they are a size 0 or 2, reported NBC-affiliate WCBD Thursday.

Principal Heather Taylor held an assembly earlier this week for the 10th grade class at Stratford High School to discuss the school’s dress code. During the assembly, she spoke about the policy on wearing leggings. An audio recording of her comments was obtained by WCBD.

“I’ve told you this before, I’m going to tell you this now, unless you are a size zero or two and you wear something like that, even though you’re not fat, you look fat,” Taylor said. “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 recording said, according to ABC-affiliate WCIV.

According to the Stratford High School dress code, “leggings, tights, yoga pants and spandex must be worn under clothing that covers to mid-thigh.” Taylor’s comments about leggings sparked backlash, with students and parents speaking to local media outlets.

“Body shaming teenage girls is uncalled for, inappropriate and unprofessional. When I spoke with her [Principal Heather Taylor], she talked around the issue, and made excuse after excuse, effectively calling all of the students liars,” Lacy Thompson-Harper, mom of an 11th-grade student, wrote on Facebook. “This has upset many, many more students than just those in the 10th grade. My daughter is in the 11th grade, and is livid. She has been ridiculed by students for her body, and shouldn’t be subjected to it from teachers.”

Student Allison Veazy spoke to WCBD about how Taylor’s comments made her feel.

“It was really hurtful, ‘cause I felt like my size made me look disgusting towards someone in clothes that I wear,” Veazy said. “I wear leggings outside of school and I wear leggings when I go and hang out with my friends, and to think that someone would think that I look like a stuffed sausage — that was kind of hurtful.”

Although some students said they thought Principal Taylor’s comments were inappropriate, others showed support for her. The 12th grade class recorded a video of them reading a letter they wrote in support of Taylor.

“On behalf of some students at Stratford High, we would like to extend our support and appreciation to your administration and Berkeley County for the past 24 years. We understand that you, like us, are human and make mistakes,” the letter said. “We completely realize that your intentions were not to harm us or the students at the assembly.”

Principal Taylor posted on her Facebook account asking parents to contact her directly to discuss any concerns. She later released a statement apologizing for the incident.

“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,” she said. “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.”

Heather Taylor did not immediately return International Business Times’ request for comment.