What would you do to keep your kids safe and happy at school? One dad in Arizona, Ira Latham, did something pretty wild to show he cared about what his kids wear to their classes.
The school district in Gilbert, Arizona, where Ira’s four kids go, wanted to change the dress code. The old rule said kids couldn’t show their chest, tummy, or midriff. The new rule? Just don’t show your underwear. This new rule seemed too loose for Ira. He thought kids might start wearing much less than before, and he didn’t like that idea.
So, what did Ira do? He went to a school board meeting in late September. In front of everyone, he took off his clothes and showed an outfit that was very revealing: a crop top and short shorts that showed his stomach, naval, and legs. He told everyone there, “Under the proposed policy, this would be appropriate in a classroom.” He wanted the board members and other parents to see and think about what kids might start wearing to school.
Ira was really worried, not just for his kids but for all the kids in the district. He said, “Before they had some guidance, but now they have no guidance. It’s just, ‘Kids, cover your underwear'.” But even after Ira's big statement, the board didn’t change their mind. They voted for the new, simpler dress code.
Tiffany Shultz, the boss of the governing board, wasn’t moved by Ira's bold move. She said, “He made his statement and we carried on with our business.” She explained that the board wanted parents and families to decide what kids should wear, as long as it doesn’t cause problems during the school day. Teachers should focus on teaching, not checking how long a girl's shirt is, she believes.
Anna Van Hoek, who’s on the board and voted against the new rule, had worries, too. She said it’s strange that adults want kids to wear less. She thinks schools should keep their eyes on providing education instead.
This dad’s bold move makes us think: How much should schools say about what kids can wear? It’s a tough question, and people have many different thoughts about it. What do you think?