Dad Strips Down to Crop Top & Short Shorts at School Board Meeting Challenging Dress Code

@mbadad4/TikTok

School dress codes are a hot topic among administrations, students, and parents. Polarizing opinions exist on what is appropriate and inappropriate in a classroom setting. And even though it sometimes seems that boys can wear whatever they want, girls' attire is often scrutinized more heavily. Although many people fiercely defend a female student's right to wear whatever she wants, not everyone feels the same way.

Ira Latham, a father from Arizona, recently challenged the Higley Unified School District's new dress code policy in an interesting way. Latham has four children who attend school in the district, and he said the language in the dress code was minimalist and "akin to a public pool dress code." Attempting to prove his point, he addressed the school board in a crop top and short shorts that got people talking.

Latham had reportedly discussed concerns with the board in the past.

@mbadad4

Alright, now that this is happening, let me provide a little backstory to explain my new wardrobe. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at the Higley Unified School District board meeting, during which they implemented significant changes to the dress code. The new policy is quite minimalist, akin to a public pool dress code, rather than one suited for an educational environment. Its primary focus is on preventing underwear exposure and banning see-through clothing. The first time this policy was up for a vote, I spoke at the council meeting, as did many other parents, expressing our concerns about the changes to the dress code. At that meeting, the council voted 3 to 2 against passing it. However, the president of the board tabled the motion to revisit it at a later meeting. While I'm usually up for a good argument, in the case of this policy change to such a minimalist approach, there's little room for argument; it doesn't create a better classroom environment for our students. After the initial vote where it was rejected 3:2, the president of the board reintroduced it at a subsequent meeting where it passed by the same margin. The majority of parents in the audience voiced their opposition, but unfortunately, there were no attempts at compromise, and the decision was made against our wishes. I made my most reasonable argument against the dress code policy, but regrettably, my attempt failed to sway the outcome. This is a news article that only reports on what was seen on the live stream: https://azfreenews.com/2023/10/dad-wears-revealing-outfit-to-criticize-school-districts-new-risque-dress-code/ I want to express my gratitude for all your support. Thank you!

♬ original sound - MBA Dad

According to a video he posted to TikTok on his account @mbadad4, Latham explained in the caption that he and other concerned parents addressed the school board at a previous meeting concerning changes to the dress code. At that time, the council voted against changing the policy, but the board president tabled the motion and planned to revisit it at another meeting.

That meeting took place on September 20, and Latham decided to make a bold statement.

During his address, he undressed.

Video from the meeting that was livestreamed on Higley's YouTube channel shows Latham in a polo shirt at the podium discussing language in the district's dress code policy.

"As a parent, I expect the district to be able to enforce policies that help my children be able to go to class and know how they can contribute to a safe classroom environment, as well as limiting the needless distractions in class," he explains.

He adds that the policy put undue pressure on teachers who had to police what students wear and make decisions about what is right and what is wrong.

Latham tries to make his point with a bold visual.

"Because I have no other way to describe my concerns about this policy, I'll do an object lesson," he continues.

He quickly removes his shirt and walks out to the middle of the board room in an incredibly revealing top and very small denim shorts. People in the room are audibly shocked, but Latham continues.

He said the outfit was inappropriate for a meeting.

The concerned father brought up an interesting point. It didn't appear that any of the board members or community members in attendance were dressed the way he was.

"Now, if you ask me, this is inappropriate for a board meeting," he says in the video.
"If you have a dress code policy that allows this in a classroom, it does not promote a safe classroom environment, as well as limiting the amount of distractions in a classroom."

But according to language in the new policy, Latham's outfit would likely have been permitted in the classroom.

The new recommended policy reads, "Clothing must cover all private body parts and/or undergarments and must not be see-through. Undergarment waistbands and/or straps that are incidentally visible under Clothing are permitted; however, undergarments may not be worn as Clothing," KPNX reported.

Some board members argued the current policy unfairly targeted female students.

According to KPNX, the dress code policy in the Higley Unified School District has stayed the same for 20 years. Officials thought that it was time to revisit the policy and make updates.

"These are kids. They're not at a job and I recognize at the end of the day this is the most job that they have but we need to allow freedom," said board member Amanda Wade.

Governing Board President Tiffany Schultz agreed.

"We're saying that they need to cover up because of the way it might make someone else feel and that is wrong."

Not everyone disagreed with the dad.

School board member Anna Van Hoek thought that the dress code did not necessarily reflect what would be considered appropriate dress later in life.

"If we are prepping our children to be college and career ready then they need to learn to be able to have self respect and that doesn't include showing off their body parts," she said.

Ultimately, the board voted 3 to 2 to change the dress code to the more relaxed version.

Lathan expressed his disappointment in the caption of his TikTok video.

"The majority of parents in the audience voiced their opposition, but unfortunately, there were no attempts at compromise, and the decision was made against our wishes. I made my most reasonable argument against the dress code policy, but regrettably, my attempt failed to sway the outcome."