‘Modesty ponchos’: High school says garment will not be handed out at prom

A HIGH school offered to hand out modesty ponchos at a school dance. The move did not go down well with students.

A SCHOOL has backtracked on a plan to hand out “modesty ponchos” at a dance following a huge backlash.

The principal at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan, said a plan to require female students to wear “modesty ponchos” at prom if their dresses are too revealing would not go ahead.

The idea sparked a massive backlash on social media and with some students accusing school authorities of body shaming female pupils.

Principal Eric Haley issued a statement through the Archdiocese of Detroit, which said that the ponchos were intended to remind students of the dress code, not to make them feel uncomfortable.

He said the ponchos will not be passed out at the dance.

The ponchos were previously on display inside the school with a note saying they would be handed to girls wearing dresses that violate the school’s code.

The modesty poncho idea wasn’t well received however the school insists it was lighthearted. Picture: Fox2 Detroit/Screengrab

The length of the poncho suggests it’s designed to cover cleavage.

The formal dress policy for the May 12 prom outlines that dresses cannot have plunging necklines or “cutouts below the traditional bra line,” even if covered with mesh fabric.

Students at a high school in Dearborn will be evaluated by teachers before prom. If their dresses aren't appropriate, they'll be given a Modesty Poncho:https://t.co/N0TGp5KJom pic.twitter.com/CuTW57M4ya

— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) April 30, 2018

The school forbids exposed cleavage and visible midriffs, and a teacher will check for compliance at the door.

Theology teacher Mary Pat O’Malley came up with the “modesty poncho” idea and insisted it was lighthearted.

“We are trying focus on the inner beauty and not draw attention to something that doesn’t need attention drawn to it,” Ms O’Malley said. “It was really intended as a deterrent and a lighthearted one at that.”

Mr Haley said the school recognises that the “modesty poncho” has drawn away from its goal of having students adhere to the dress code policy.

Divine Child High School in Michigan caused an uproar over its poncho idea. Picture: ABC News/Screengrab

“We encourage our students to tailor their outfits or provide their own wraps or shawls that would meet our requirements,” he said.

“If necessary, we may also provide wraps and shawls, as we have done at school functions for many years.”

Some people on social media lashed out at the idea, accusing the school of being draconian.

prom 2018: “modesty ponchos”
prom 2019: pic.twitter.com/KLlcwK2qnY

— Erin Wade (@erinnicolewade) April 25, 2018

It’s prom season. Don’t forget your #modestyponcho pic.twitter.com/fJawMHHF0R

— terrifish (@terrifish) May 1, 2018

regardless of whether or not the modesty poncho was supposed to be a joke, jokes degrading women and making them feel ashamed of themselves have not ever been funny and will not ever be funny.

— natalie (@nataliegduffy) May 1, 2018

This is a picture from my senior prom. Divine Child forced me to wear this because my rental tuxedo was too “revealing.” The #ModestyPoncho needs to end. pic.twitter.com/K1A0jxHX3x

— Branden Aquino (@BrandenAquino) May 1, 2018

But while some were angry, others supported it saying it was simply following school standards.

I went 12 years to Catholics school. Those are the rules. You don’t want to wear a “modesty poncho” then wear an appropriate dress. There are many beautiful dresses without exposing all you have to offer

— Laura (@lfencyk) May 1, 2018