Peoria High School ignited a barrage of social media debate after a back-to-school video posted to its Facebook page showed students potentially violating the school’s dress code.
In the video, which was taken down Thursday afternoon after being posted Wednesday, numerous students were shown enjoying the first day of classes for the year. Multiple female students wore shirts or tops that either didn’t entirely cover their stomach or didn’t cover their midsection at all. The video garnered hundreds of comments and shares before it was removed from Facebook.
Many people commented on the video by noting that the students were potentially violating the school’s dress code, with one Facebook post expressing shock with the students for wearing “half tops, short skirts and bras” to class.
Others on social media defended the students and lamented starting the school year with criticism, body shaming and negativity.
Peoria High School Principal Shaun McGinnes said the video only captured a portion of what was happening within the school. He said those out of compliance with the dress code were addressed.
“Our goal is not simply to send students home,” McGinnes said in a statement provided to the Journal Star. “Our goal is to correct the issue, keep students in school, and keep them focused on learning.”
Peoria High’s dress code says students cannot have bare midriffs or exposed cleavage, with their shirts needing to cover their stomach whenever they stand, sit or move. Those who violate the dress code are asked to find a way to get in compliance before they begin class, with a limited supply of shirts and pants being made available to students if they need it.
The Peoria school district requires uniforms for primary and middle schools but not at the high school level.
Some of the social media debate included mentions of Daniel Ruffin, the former Peoria High School boys’ basketball coach who was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a child and grooming in connection with two students. One post noted “there should be a dress code implemented after the tragedy just last year. Put on your thinking caps people.”
McGinnes, however, said the two things should not be treated as though they are related.
“The situation involving Mr. Ruffin last school year is separate from the enforcement of our student dress code and should not be connected to students appearing in a first-day-of-school video,” he said.
“We will continue to hold our students accountable while also giving them the support and opportunity to meet our expectations.”
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria High back-to-school video sparks debate over student attire
Reporting by Zach Roth and Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Zach Roth and Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
