WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Principal will allow female student to wear dress slacks to graduation

Principal will allow female student to wear dress slacks to graduation

By Jordan Sandler - bio | email

CHAPIN, SC (WIS) - A Chapin High School student who fought to wear dress slacks to her graduation instead of a dress will be allowed to wear slacks according to the principal.

In a statement to parents and students, Satterfield said that a "line in the sand" had been drawn that was neither fair to the school or the student, Chelsea Sarvis.

Sarvis says wearing a dress would have made her feel uncomfortable, and that's why she wanted to wear slacks.

However, the school's dress code strictly stated that girls must wear a dress or a skirt and boys must wear dress slacks. Sarvis was told if she didn't abide by the rule, then she would not be allowed to graduate.

"I just don't see why girls have to wear dresses," said Sarvis.

Satterfield initially stood by the dress code, and he believed it was fair.

"It's certainly appropriate to ask young ladies to wear a dress or a nice shirt and a nice outfit and young men to wear slacks, a shirt and a tie," said Satterfield. "If a young man showed up in flip-flops and shorts, and said I wanted to walk, we'd say no you can't."

Chelsea says she's not trying to be disrespectful. She'll be dressed as formal as other males. "If it looks nice, why can't they wear it?" she said.

Chelsea wore a tuxedo to prom with no problems and she wore blue face paint at more Chapin sporting events than anyone else this year. She feels to be forced out of pants and into a dress, would be a complete contradiction to the proud student she's been these last four years.

"If I had to walk across the stage in a dress, I'd be completely miserable and that's not how I want to leave high school," said Sarvis.

Principal Satterfield says the dress code at Chapin High has been in place for 25 years and there had never been a complaint like this one before.

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