In August 2017, Tony Alarcon’s phone rang unexpectedly.
Like many parents, he thought it might be a telemarketer. But this time, he answered the call.
Hearing from the school can be nerve-wracking for any parent. Tony immediately started worrying—was his daughter, Demetra, okay? Had something happened?
What he found out left him surprised.
It was a hot summer day in Northern California, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees. Tony had dropped off his 13-year-old daughter, Demetra, at school that morning. She wore a blue romper to stay cool in the heat, and neither of them thought the outfit would cause any issues.
Demetra, a student at Raymond J. Fisher Middle School in Los Gatos, California, had simply dressed for the weather.
Not everyone agreed with Demetra’s outfit. A teacher at her school said her romper was “too distracting” for the boys.
When the teacher told Demetra that her outfit was too short, her dad, Tony, rushed back to the school with a change of clothes—jean shorts and a tank top. But the school said those clothes were also inappropriate.
Tony was shocked. He asked Demetra to bend over and touch her toes in front of the school administrator. “Nothing is hanging out. There’s nothing inappropriate. I don’t understand this dress code rule,” he told TODAY.
Still, the school said her clothes were “distracting.” Since it was 90 degrees outside, Tony had no choice but to go to his car and grab a pair of leggings for Demetra to wear.
Demetra felt embarrassed.
Tony expressed his frustration, saying, “She’s just a kid. She’s only 13. She’s not trying to be a sex symbol. She just wants to be comfortable and attend class, but we’re not giving her that chance.”
This wasn’t the first time Demetra had been in trouble for her clothes. Just a week before, she was called out for a visible bra strap. “When I got dress coded last week, they said my bra strap was showing,” Demetra told the *San Jose Mercury News*. “Like, I’m wearing a bra—what’s the big deal?”
Tony, a successful investment advisor and father of two, didn’t let it go. Angry at what he saw as an unfair rule that mostly targeted girls, he took his complaint to social media. Parents from all over the country showed their support, agreeing that the school’s dress code was outdated and unfair to girls.
“Demetra’s not the only one. If you sit in the school parking lot, you’ll see that,” Tony said. “Lots of girls just want to be comfortable, but they feel forced to wear leggings even when it’s 100 degrees outside.”
Tony believed that parents, not schools, should decide if their children’s clothes are appropriate. He was also worried about how being told their clothing is a “distraction” to boys could affect young girls emotionally in the long run.
The story quickly got attention from the media, with major news outlets reporting on Tony’s efforts to change the dress code. While the school didn’t speak on camera, they did release a statement:
“The Los Gatos Union School District believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment,” the district said. “Students are expected to wear clothes that reflect the core values of our learning community.”
Tony’s efforts made an impact. His push for change led the Los Gatos Union School District to reevaluate its dress code to make it fairer and less strict for all students.
Lisa Fraser, the school’s principal, explained that the dress code rules, called “Fashion Faux Pas,” apply to both girls and boys. Some of the rules include no hats or hoods indoors, no visible underwear, no inappropriate logos or words, and shorts must have at least 4-inch inseams.
“There has always been a dress code,” Fraser told a newspaper. “These are basic rules for appropriate behavior. I can set guidelines for the school, but I want them to reflect the community’s values.”
In the end, Tony Alarcon’s persistence started an important discussion about how school dress codes affect young girls — showing that one parent’s voice can truly make a difference.
What do you think about the school’s dress code? Have you or your children faced a similar situation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Roseanne Barr faces backlash from fans over her “messy” living space after sharing a photo of her bed
Actress Roseanne Barr, known for her sharp humor, made a life-changing decision to move to her macadamia nut farm in Hawaii, seeking a more wholesome and peaceful lifestyle.
She boldly embraced a plant-based diet as part of her new journey!
Now enjoying a tranquil life on her expansive 46-acre estate, Barr shares this paradise with her long-time partner, Johnny Argen.
In 2007, Barr purchased the stunning 2,212-square-foot home in Hawaii, investing $1.78 million. The property offers breathtaking 360-degree views of lush greenery, making it the perfect retreat.
The house features three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, providing a serene escape for Barr in her later years.
One of Barr’s greatest joys is spending time on the farm with her granddaughters. She once shared a touching photo of herself walking through a vast green field with them, capturing a heartwarming moment of family connection.
Fans appreciated the sweet snapshot but couldn’t help but comment on Barr’s evolution from famous comedian to doting grandmother.
In a more candid post, Barr shared a picture of herself sleeping amidst clutter, clothes, and her laptop. Instagram users found the humor in it, with one joking, “Looks like the aftermath of a shopping spree.” Another teased, “Maybe it’s time for a new housekeeper!”
However, one follower offered a more critical take, saying, “She doesn’t need to fire the housekeeper—the mess is all her doing! It’s sad to see her like this. No one is perfect, but it’s hard seeing such an icon like this. We all get overwhelmed sometimes, but she deserves better!”
Another commenter, despite their fondness for Barr, remarked, “I love Roseanne, but at first glance, I thought I was looking at a homeless person.”
Yikes! Some people can be harsh!
Despite the mixed opinions, it’s clear that many still admire Roseanne for her wit and authenticity, whether she’s tending to her farm or sharing personal moments.
What do you think of Roseanne Barr? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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