BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Stratford High School Principal Heather Taylor recently received backlash from some parents and students following comments made during a school assembly this week.
In audio obtained by WCBD-TV, Taylor is heard telling ninth and tenth-grade girls that they couldn’t wear leggings if they were bigger than a size 2.
“I’m going to tell you now unless you are a size zero or two and you wear something like that, you look fat,” she’s heard stating.
Some students, like Allison Veazey, found Taylor’s comments offensive.
“I’m not a size zero and I kind of felt targeted because of my size,” stated the high school sophomore.
Several members of the community also posted comments about the incident to the official Stratford High School Facebook page.
“Disappointed, disgusted and disheartened that such a comment had been made to impressionable young women and men by someone they should be able to look up to; and then follow up with the audacity to lie about it!” one commenter wrote.
Following the criticism, Taylor issued the following statement Thursday:
“Yesterday and this morning, I met with each class of the Stratford High School student body. I addressed a comment made during a 10th-grade assembly and shared from my heart that my intention was not to hurt or offend any of my students in any way. I assured them all that I am one of their biggest fans and invested in their success. After speaking with our students and receiving their support, I am confident that, together, we are ready to move forward and have a wonderful year. Stratford High is a very caring community, and I want to thank all of our parents and students who have offered their support to me and provided me with an opportunity to directly address their concern. I am very proud to be a Stratford Knight.”–Heather Taylor
According to the Stratford High School website, leggings, tights, yoga pants and spandex must be worn under clothing that covers to mid-thigh.
