<p>Binx, </p>
<p>This teacher’s behavior is quite over the top in four respects. </p>
<p>First, there is the issue as to whether this “rule” about pantyhose was made known and how. The written policy makes no mention of socks/hose for girls at all. I understand that proper attire is important in such situations (my own kids were in band). I would want to find out if the teacher had put out a memo or made any announcements as to what type of hose/socks the girls were to wear. Have you inquired of your daughter or others if any written instructions as to attire for this festival that mentions socks/hose was put out? Did the teacher make an oral announcement about this? I’m thinking he may not have because SO many girls were not in “compliance” with the black tights. If he was simply asking for black hose, and a girl opts to wear black knee highs or trouser socks, I don’t see that as noncompliant given the full length dresses they were wearing. It is not as if they were without hose/socks or wearing the wrong color. With a long dress, some women opt for black socks instead of pantyhose with the same result basically. So, first, I’d want to find out if any rule was handed out or mentioned in class with any specific hose expectation for girls. Even IF there was, it seems that wearing black hose could be interpretted various ways as to how to achieve that look under a long dress and I would not consider that as noncompliance if a girl wore black socks given the full length dresses. If the teacher had not given out written instructions, I hardly see how they were not complying (in addition to the written policies you have in hand no less). </p>
<p>Second, the expectation of pantyhose is over the top given the girls’ full length dresses. I think the only thing that matters is what the audience can see…so obviously white or colored socks might show when sitting down at the ankles. But beyond what shows at the ankles in a full length dress is a girl’s own business. I don’t think it is the teacher’s business what type of undergarments a person is wearing that does NOT SHOW to the audience. Yes, the shoes and the ankles may show but that’s it. Beyond that is beyond the teacher’s “jurisdiction” (LOL). If a girl wants to wear a thong panty, a panty or no panty, not his business. Above the ankle did not show to the audience in these “costumes”. So, it is nonissue what a girl had on that the audience cannot see. If he wanted black ankles, he got them in pantyhose, knee hi’s, or trouser socks. The audience doesn’t know the difference as far as what CANNOT be seen by them. To rule beyond that is over the top as that part of the attire was not seen by anyone. Are we now checking if the boys were wearing boxers or briefs? :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Third, I think the teacher should not be allowed to alter grades for what sort of hose was worn by any participant unless that was put in writing as far as dress code and as far as grading criteria. If the students were told “no black shoes, grade lowered”, that is one thing. If there was no written rule about hose, let alone no written grading criteria/rubric outlining points taken off with regard to hose, then he can’t just arbitrarily do that after the fact. It had to be made known ahead of time. </p>
<p>Fourth, it is entirely inappropriate for the girls to have to prove which type of hose or undergarments they were wearing under the dresses past their ankles (the part the audience could see). If the audience can’t see it, surely the teacher should not get a viewing to what amounted to their undergarments not meant to be seen by others. Asking them to prove what they had on underneathe by pulling their dresses up above the knee is harrassing to a female and just inappropriate for a male teacher no less to ask them to do. It is humiliating. It is also unjustifiable as that area of their body was not exposed to the audience/judges in the first place. The teacher should only be able to view what the judges or audience could see, not what a girl had on that she did not intend to publicly reveal beyond (or “above” as the case may be) that. </p>
<p>I am glad you chose to speak up. However, I also would put your points in writing and send them to this vice principal, copied to the teacher, even as you await his response. What people “hear” on the phone is not always the same. Also, you can articulate these points more clearly in writing sometimes. You might have to go one step further if not satisfied with the response, and then you’d have a record as to what you had stated/requested and hopefully also what they respond with. In the meantime, I would chat with parents of the other girls subjected to the grade reduction and the “inspection” under their dresses and see if any other parents agreed with you. They could either sign the letter you compose or ask if they are willing to compose one themselves. There is power in numbers. It is OK to go this alone, however. I can’t imagine you are the only one who thought this was over the top for the reasons I also wrote above. </p>
<p>I would not react in an over the top way (suing, etc) but I think bringing up these points to the teacher and administration and going from there is the way to go. One step at a time. I think you are doing that now. I’d love to hear their response. Again, I would outline these points in writing and mail them as well. </p>
<p>Best,</p>
<p>Susan</p>