Fashion trends are always changing with the seasons, but there is one trend that is changing because of a new law. Young gentleman, especially, should be aware of the new law. Now it is illegal for men and women to show more than three inches of their underwear. Although this law is not in place in Naperville, it is enforced in one Illinois city. If a person goes to Lynwood, Illinois and has their underwear showing more than three inches, there will be a fine of twenty-five dollars.
Illinois is not the first state to have this law; Louisiana and Michigan have the “Baggy Pants” law as well. Their version of the law is more severe with a $500 fine and/or a six-month jail sentence. A person could receive said punishment for simply showing their underwear. This law conflicts with the First Amendment right to ones freedom of speech.
If a person wants to show their underwear in public, then they should be able to do so. It is a personal choice that should be left to the individual; the government should not dictate what people should wear.
On the same spectrum, that person should respect others around them. If an individual is in a school, then they should not show their boxers, especially if it may cause distraction in the education process. Dean’s Assistant, Lee Russell, stated, “I think it is ridiculous. I think clothes should be worn to fit your body. It is disrespectful to people around them [to wear baggy clothes].” At school, boys and girls should cover up because students come to learn, they do not come to see people’s underwear. Some students may think it is fashionable to have their underwear out, but others do not share their fashion opinions. Junior Stefanie Habel, said, “What is the point of wearing pants at all, if they are not used properly?” Pants are meant to cover a person’s body, not to show off a person’s briefs.
In the real world outside of school, a person has the right to dress as they want. This law has no place in any city. The school environment is a different story. School is a place of education, not a place to show off underwear. The moment a student is off school grounds they should be able to dress as they please without fearing a fine, but while on school grounds, the rule is simple: cover up.
By Rachel Vaca, Echo staff writer
