Suburban Pa. middle school bans Ugg boots
A local middle school has both parents and students tripping over their Uggs. On Wednesday, a letter was sent home with Pottstown Middle School students announcing a ban on "open top boots" in class.
A local middle school has both parents and students tripping over their Uggs.
On Wednesday, a letter was sent home with Pottstown Middle School students announcing a ban on "open top boots" in class.
The censorship of shoes was introduced after problems caused by students, "carrying items in their boots that are prohibited in school," said school principal Gail Cooper.
The offending boots are mostly Uggs, a Pottstown School District spokesman confirmed to the Mercury, and the offending items- though not stated- are most likely cell phones, according to school policy.
Cooper wrote that students were allowed to wear the boots to and from school, but requested they change shoes before stepping into homeroom. Acceptable footwear options listed in her letter included "lace up, tight at the ankle, boots, shoes and high top sneakers."
In other words, anything but the sheepskin boots.
UGG, an immensely popular accessories and apparel brand owned by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, offers a variety of products. Among the range of styles, colors and options offered by retailers, its Classic Boot (in short and tall) remains a bestselling item, costing anywhere from $150-$180. Which could explain why some parents are peeved.
And to the average, self-conscious, image-driven 11-13 year-old, suburban middle school girl, the boots symbolize status and popularity.
Though loathed by fashion industry professionals, celebrities like New England Patriots QB Tom Brady and actress Blake Lively have joined the Ugg movement. While Brady has previously served as the face of the brand (and was relentlessly mocked for doing so), Lively has been spotted wearing the shoes on the set of Gossip Girl. Since her character socialite Serena van der Woodsen runs around the streets of Manhattan in sky-high stilettos, the star probably needed an alternative option between takes.
However, does comfort outweigh the detrimental situations Uggs can literally carry into the classroom?
Some share the sentiment of the school district. In response to the article, one individual posted on the Mercury's Facebook page, "Some of you people crying about this obviously care more about making an appearance rather than GOING TO SCHOOL TO GET EDUCATED! Its a wonder kids today are half morons!!"
The ban begins Monday, affecting more than 650 students. What are your thoughts? Vote in our poll.