A Houston mother has criticised a high school's new dress code for parents after she was denied entry while enrolling her daughter. Joselyn Lewis, wearing a T-shirt dress and headscarf, was turned away from James Madison High School and says administrators called police when she asked to see the rules.
Principal Carlotta Brown introduced the policy, banning pyjamas, hair rollers, leggings, and headscarves for parents and guests. She defended the measure, stating the school expects parents to set a standard for children. The school declined to comment to the BBC.
Parent Tomiko Miller argued the guidelines discriminate based on class, gender, and race, saying they 'overwhelmingly target women and moms'. Federation President Zeph Capo called the implementation flawed, noting it was 'unfortunate that a student was denied enrolment based on a dress code'.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Memphis, Tennessee, are considering a bill to enforce dress codes for parents across the state. State congressman Antonio Parkinson said the policy would not be applied discriminatorily, but some residents fear it could reduce parental participation.
The debate has reached the UK, where a mother at Skerne Park Academy in Darlington clashed with the school over wearing pyjamas. Karen Routh said she prioritised getting her child to school on time despite the school's request.
