Far be it from me to yuck anyone’s yum, but does anyone else feel like this Arizona dad was just waiting for an opportunity to bust out the crop top and shorts?
A Gilbert father shocked onlookers at a school board meeting when he stripped down to shorts and a crop top in order to make a statement about the district’s new dress code, but really, it’s 2023: There’s no need to concoct elaborate excuses to dress the way you want.
Father of four Ira Latham approached the podium and announced, “Under the proposed policy, this would be appropriate in a classroom,” before pulling down his shorts and removing his shirt to reveal the crop top hidden underneath. He then spun around to show everyone in the audience his fit from every angle (he’s definitely done this before).
“As a dad that’s very concerned about my children as well as everyone else’s kids in the district, I wanted to make a clear argument,” Latham continued. The district’s policy had previously prohibited students from exposing their chests, abdomens and midriffs, but the dress code had recently been updated so that the only restriction was on students showing their underwear.
Unfortunately for Latham, his theatrics failed to move the needle, and the board voted 3 to 2 in favor of the policy change. Governing Board President Tiffany Shultz said that Latham’s display was “a stunt that is great for news” but had no effect on the meeting.
“He made his statement and we carried on with our business,” she explained. “We heard from other speakers and moved on. As a board, we voted to ultimately let parents and families decide what is appropriate for them. It is the parents and family’s choice, and as long as it doesn’t disrupt the school day, it would be a non-issue.”
Restrictive school dress codes overwhelmingly target girls, forcing them to cover their bodies because teenage boys are believed to be unable to control themselves around bare collarbones or midriffs. Many policies also disproportionately target students of color.
Honestly, it’s more than a little weird for a dad like Latham to be this concerned about what teenage girls are wearing. He’s not attending school with them; so why is he at all worried about what teenage girls he doesn’t know are wearing when he’s not around? His concern seems more than a little patriarchal and controlling.
Sashay away, Ira.
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