Historic Connecticut town enacts dress code for teachers banning miniskirts and yoga pants

Torrington, Conn. — A historic town in Connecticut on Wednesday approved a dress code for teachers across its seven public schools, banning miniskirts, sheer clothing and yoga pants. The policy bars shorts and clothes shorter than two inches above the knee, flip-flops, graphic T-shirts, sweatpants, pajama pants, jeans and other tight-fitting or sheer outfits. Graphic tees and jeans are allowed only on spirit days.

The measure was proposed by Gary Eucalitto, a board member who chairs the policy committee, after discussions about updating the student dress code. He said the move was intended to ensure staff present a professional image and set a standard for the district.

Ed Corey, the board's co-chair, said there was no single incident prompting the change and that the vast majority of teachers already comply with the policy, a pattern the board expects to continue.

Jason Lafreniere, a special education teacher, attended the meeting and said he would prefer jeans but accepted the decision. He noted that being present every day and supporting students is part of being a role model, even if jeans are not allowed.

Gym teachers and custodial staff have exceptions under the policy. It also states that employees can be asked to change if they violate the dress code.

Heidi Laus, a former board member, expressed concerns that the prescriptive list risks undermining professional judgment and could create rigidity in a profession requiring daily flexibility. She questioned whether administrators should be inspecting clothing every morning.

The Daily Mail reported that NBC Connecticut covered the story, noting the district has adopted a stricter stance on teacher attire with the new rules in place and that comment requests were directed to the Torrington Board of Education.