'Saggy Pants Ban in Florida: Um, What?'

Saggy Pants Ban in Florida: Um, What?

By Cavan Sieczkowski | September 29, 2011 10:03 AM EDT



It seems as if the Florida public school system has had enough of saggy pants parading through its hallways. The "Saggy Pants Law" requires educators to crack down on the indecent fashion trend by issuing warnings to students who wear pants/skirts that show their underwear, according to the Palm Beach Post News.

What many individuals would assume to be a personal style choice granted to American citizens by the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and expression is apparently now up to the government (in some states).

The law took effect on July 1 in Broward and Palm Beach County and prohibits "exposing underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment."

Critics of the law include not only citiznes but also the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. State ACLU Executive Director Howard Simon wrote "many decisions -- such how a child dresses -- are best left to families and parents and do not cry out for government rules and regulations and enforcements."

Other towns in other southern states such as Louisiana and Georgia have passed the same sort of legislation.

The town of Albany, GA, established the law nine months ago on Nov. 23, 2010, and has already raised $4,000 in fines collected.

According to City Attorney Nathan David, there have been 187 citations issued thus far.

In LA it is known as the "anti-sagging" law. The state has had this law in place since 2007.

Government officials in Texas and Virginia wanted to pass similar legislation but communities in those two states vehemently denounced the attempt.