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Kim Pendleton, a new principal at Southwood High School in Shreveport, Louisiana stirred up controversy after requiring students send her pictures of their prom attire so she can approve it before the big night.
Southwood High School, populated by over 1500 students, is now the center of a debate about double standards when it comes to appropriate clothing. Pendleton, the principal of the school, issued a mass text to the student body.
"As you begin shopping for your attire, please make sure you do not purchase any clothes that are sheer or revealing in any manner," wrote Pendleton.
"Also, make sure we do not see excess cleavage or skin. Prior to purchasing an outfit, I will need you to send me a picture of you in the outfit with your name and grade. Once I approve the outfit, you may purchase it. The approved outfit is the only one you will be allowed to wear to prom."
Unsurprisingly, this was met with a lot of criticism on social media. Many are calling the text extremely invasive, and completely uncalled for on what's supposed to be a teenager's night to remember.
What is also repeatedly pointed out is the fact that Pendleton does not make a mention as to what is appropriate for the male students to wear.
"Once again the blame is placed solely on the female," one Facebook comment reads. "Way to perpetuate rape culture."
The school board is allowing the students to voice their complaints on the matter at an upcoming assembly. A statement was released in regards to the meeting.
"In April, Southwood will host their annual prom and school administration has taken a proactive approach of asking parents for photos ahead of their upcoming event. It is a school-level decision for all formal dress to be approved prior to the event."
The people of Twitter have made their opinions known on the issue.
@NBCNews Are we approving what the young men wear as well?— Shannon Wright (@Shannon Wright) 1583724787.0
@NBCNews "I can understand because there are some young ladies that are raising themselves more or less and they ca… https://t.co/N9Y9bsDYDO— Rob Voreck (@Rob Voreck) 1583724731.0
@NBCNews How funny would it be if all the boys showed up in short dresses and high heels 😂 Like... "You didn't ask… https://t.co/VRPnFYg2ut— 💖 MsNicky 💖 (@💖 MsNicky 💖) 1583726341.0
@NBCNews I’d like to submit a petition that the interwebs approve the principal’s prom dress. https://t.co/mm0pvLksih— 🌎 on 🔥| 🙋🏻♂️🏳️🌈♎️ 🚴🏼 (@🌎 on 🔥| 🙋🏻♂️🏳️🌈♎️ 🚴🏼) 1583724015.0
@NBCNews https://t.co/btCGDEnYj7— brendanloughrey (@brendanloughrey) 1583724713.0
@NBCNews "Once I approve the outfit, you may purchase it.” This woman must be out of her mind. The students will j… https://t.co/2z7FRBrKVN— Mad World (@Mad World) 1583724543.0
@NBCNews Let’s hope the girls all don nuns’ habits for pics!— MakingTheGrade (@MakingTheGrade) 1583726346.0
@NBCNews The people who are mad at this censorship don't bat an eye when girls are banned from wearing chinese insp… https://t.co/9iMtPHkGh5— Sage the Elder™️ 🖤 (@Sage the Elder™️ 🖤) 1583770630.0
@NBCNews For this to be targeted towards girls only is absolutely unacceptable. As a parent I would NOT sit quiet… https://t.co/KBorbc6D3u— Vaunda (@Vaunda) 1583724768.0
@NBCNews This seems like it may be a setup to reject a wide range of attire that LGBTQ girls may prefer. I'd also b… https://t.co/Ld33H7IrCs— Stephen Cornelius (@Stephen Cornelius) 1583726106.0
@NBCNews You don't have time being a great educator AND the fashion police, so why not do the one your being paid… https://t.co/1OEOGmolsr— Brady Bratt (@Brady Bratt) 1583751203.0
@NBCNews I don’t think it needed to go to this level. I do think a reminder for dress code would be appropriate to… https://t.co/xTpjIycBaj— Vaunda (@Vaunda) 1583724577.0
@NBCNews I'm sure that will go over real well— *Guitar Noises* (@*Guitar Noises*) 1583723957.0
Let's hope that the students of Southwood High are heard by their educators.