Plan to ban skinny jeans in North Carolina schools draws accusations of body shaming from pupils and parents

Skinny jeans and other tight trousers are to be banned from a selection of American schools, a decision which has outraged students and parents alike.

The New Hanover County School Board in North Carolina announced that the wearing of “excessively tight fitting pants” is to be prohibited in schools as part of strict changes to the regional dress code.

Such trousers will only be permitted if they are accompanied by a top or dress that “covers the posterior area in its entirety”.

Short dresses, skirts and shorts are already banned in schools according to the guidelines.

Jeanette Nichols, vice chairwoman of the school board, reportedly told WECT Wilmington that the proposed policies would prevent “some of the bigger girls” from being bullied over their looks.

The board was immediately hit by accusations of body shaming from pupils and their parents.

Chris Furner, a parent from near-by Parsley Elementary School told StarNews Online: “From my perspective, telling people that they can't wear something because they are being bullied takes away the choice from them.”

Meanwhile, the idea was slammed on social media, with one student asking whether the board would purchase her a new wardrobe to compensate for the changes.

Board of Education member, Lisa Estep, said student feedback will be crucial when considering whether the changes will in fact be implemented.