Principal tells girls not to wear leggings if they’re over size 6

A principal has come under fire after telling female students they shouldn't be wearing leggings unless they were a size four or a size six.

Heather Taylor, principal of Stratford High School in South Carolina, made the comments in an August 22 school assembly. She has since issued a statement insisting she didn't mean any offence. In an audio recording of the first assembly, obtained by local news station WCBD News 2, the principal is heard discouraging female students from wearing leggings to school. She says:

"The sad thing is with that, ladies — if someone has not told you this before, I'm going to tell you this now — unless you are a size zero or a two, and you wear something like that, even though you are not fat, you look fat.”

A size zero in the US is the equivalent of a size four in Ireland, while a size two in America is the same as a size six. The school's dress code states that "leggings, tights, yoga pants and spandex must be worn under clothing that covers to mid-thigh” - but does not specify who can or should wear leggings. Principal Taylor's remarks were met with a wave of backlash from students and parents alike. Student Allison Veazey told WCBD News 2 that the comments made her feel more self conscious about her body. She added:

“I’m not a size zero and I kind of felt targeted because of my size. “It was really hurtful because I felt like my size made me look, you know, disgusting towards someone in the clothes that I wear.”

A number of people in the local community took to Facebook to discuss the news. One person said:

“As a teen- and an adult- who struggled - with anorexia, this isn’t true and this isn’t ok. “You’re beautiful and you’re worthy, as a 0 and a 2 and a 20.”

Taylor released a statement to Stratford High students and parents in response to the backlash; apologising for her comments. She said that she had met with a number of classes to talk about the comments she made in the assembly. The statement, obtained by HuffingtonPost, said:

“My intention was not to hurt or offend any of my students in any way. “I assured them all that I am one of their biggest fans and invested in their success. "After speaking with our students and receiving their support, I am confident that, together, we are ready to move forward and have a wonderful year. "Stratford High is a very caring community, and I want to thank all of our parents and students who have offered their support to me and provided me with an opportunity to directly address their concern. "I am very proud to be a Stratford Knight.”