House Of Representatives Pass Sagging Pants Bill

According to reports, a legislative bill that targets sagging clothes was passed by members of the Florida House of Representatives' K-20 Education Innovation Subcommittee yesterday. Introduced by Rep. Hazelle Rogers (D-Lauderhill, Florida), the bill was passed unanimously by the subcommittee. Rep. Rogers states, "This pro-family, pro-education, pro-jobs bill provides each school district ... adopt a student dress code of conduct, a policy that explains to each student their responsibility, this would make for a better school district and more productive students." The bill clearly prohibits students from wearing clothing that "exposes the underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner." The new legislation claims that the practice of sagging pants originated in the prison system, "where belts are not issued because they may be used to commit suicide or used as weapons." Students face a variety of disciplinary actions if their style of dress is deemed "vulgar" to school officials. The local branch of the NAACP in Florida has condemned the bill, claiming that black youth will be targeted.