In a Michigan high school, a dress code controversy has ignited after a young cheerleader was told to "cover-up" while wearing her uniform.
Mom Amanda Alburg claimed that her daughter - varsity cheerleader, Marianah - was instructed to "cover-up" while wearing her uniform to class on game days - despite alleging that her cheerleading coach told her and the rest of the team that they could. The teenager was then allegedly told to put some pants on underneath her uniform.
The incident has sparked a debate about fairness, gender equality, and outdated dress codes at Pinconning High School.
Speaking to WNEM, Amanda expressed her dismay, stating: "I called the school office, and I was told that they are to wear pants under their uniforms at all times. [Not wearing pants] is a distraction to the boys.
"I don’t feel that should be a distraction to the boys. Girls have been wearing cheer uniforms issued by the school on game days to school since I was in high school. Never had to wear pants under it."
Responding to the incident, the school district’s superintendent, Andy Kowalczyk, cited dress code requirements, noting that athletic uniforms, including cheerleading skirts, may not meet the school's dress code standards. While Kowalczyk denied claims of the uniform being labeled as a "distraction to male students", Alburg maintained that school officials had communicated otherwise.
"I know who I talked to at the school had told me it was a distraction to boys. That is what I was told personally," the dismayed mom said.
Following the incident, a school board meeting was held on Monday night where parents called for a change to the institute's dress code - with other parents raising concerns about fairness and the apparent double standard between male and female students.
One parent said at the meeting: "My daughter can’t wear a sports bra to practice because it’s inappropriate, but the gentlemen … can be out at that soccer field or on the basketball court and football field and they have their shirts off.
"And that is a double standard and it’s a violation of our girls’ civil rights."
Mark Coutcher, a school board trustee, acknowledged the need for policy updates but cautioned that changes require time. He proposed a trial period for revised policies, suggesting: "I wouldn’t mind trying to get those policies addressed and give them a test drive in May, and then we can maybe make some changes if necessary for next year."