Supreme Court declines to hear appeal of charter school that wanted to bar girls from wearing pants at school

A lower court had ruled that Charter Day School in Leland, N.C., violated students' rights when it required girls to wear skirts.
June 26, 2023

 The U.S. Supreme Court has left in place an appellate ruling that barred a North Carolina public charter school from requiring girls to wear skirts to school.

The Associated Press reports that the justices declined to hear an appeal from the Charter Day School in Leland, N.C. A federal appeals court had ruled that the school’s dress code violated students’ constitutional rights.

School founder Baker Mitchell had said the dress code was intended to promote “chivalry” by the male students and respect for the female students, according to court documents.

The dress code already has been changed to allow girls to wear pants, in line with the lower court ruling.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy, senior editor, has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.

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