A South Carolina high school principal is under fire for allegedly telling female students that wearing leggings makes them look “fat.”
Principal Heather Taylor reportedly made the comments during an assembly where sophomores, usually those in grade 10, were in attendance.
Taylor could be heard in an audio recording discussing the dress code for Stratford High School.
“Ladies — if someone has not told you this before, I’m going to tell you this now — unless you are a size zero or a two, and you wear something like that, even though you are not fat, you look fat,” Taylor said in an audio recording provided to Global News by NBC affiliate, WCBD News.
Following the principal’s comments, a loud disapproval could be heard from the students who seemed offended by Taylor’s choice of words, including Allison Veazey.
“I’m not a size zero and I’m definitely not a size two, so I felt kind of targeted almost because of my size,” said Veazey to WCDB News. “It was really hurtful.”
Other students, however, said they forgave Taylor for her comments and said she’s always made students try to feel “at home” while in school.
“We understand that you, like us, are humans and make mistakes. Regarding what was expressed, we send our sympathy for the vulgar backlash, false accusations and unnecessary comments throughout the media and the school,” said one student in a video posted to Facebook.
In an emotional apology, Taylor is heard in the video talking about the negative response she’s received since her comments.
“I’m so remorseful and I have learned a lesson,” said Taylor to the students before embracing them in a group hug.
In the 24-minute audio recording Global News received from WCDB, seven minutes consisted of Taylor talking to female students about the dress code, including wearing “shorty shorts”, off the shoulder tops, and short dresses that hike up.
However, the only dress code comment Taylor made for male students was their pants.
“Gentlemen, as usual, it’s going to be quick for you: just make sure your pants are where they’re supposed to sit, not three inches below that…honestly, that’s about it for the guys.”
Global News has reached out to Taylor, and Stratford High School, for comment.