Brigham Young University Idaho Office Allegedly Bans 'Skinny Jeans' -- Then Overturns the Decision

Some interesting developments at Idaho branch of Brigham Young University are making headlines. According to The Student Review, an independent newspaper run by students at the college, a new sign recently appeared in the university's testing center. It apparently read, "No skinny jeans."

Here's the flier that the Review claims was being distributed:

Now, for those of you who don't know, skinny jeans are tight pants that are worn by women (and sometimes men). Apparently, the college's Idaho affiliate has had some recent controversy surrounding the clothing choice.

The Review reported that the college held a question and answer session in September with both students and faculty. During the discussion, BYU-Idaho's Advancement Vice President Henry J. Eyring was asked whether skinny jeans violate the university's honor code.

“It’s useful for us to realize that fashions will come and go,” Eyring reportedly said. “There will always be some tempting new style.”

The code, which is available on the university's web site, says that clothes shouldn't be form-fitting. For men, it reads, "Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, revealing, or form fitting. Shorts must be knee-length or longer." And for women, it says, "A clean and well-cared-for appearance should be maintained. Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, strapless, backless, or revealing; has slits above the knee; or is form fitting."

One student claims that someone was asked to leave the testing center because she was wearing skinny jeans. “Some girls wear skinny jeans that are just too skinny … so they ask us not to wear them,” the student explained.

While some people understand the need to comply with the university's code, others see the move as an unneeded affront. “I think it is pretty ridiculous,” explains student Zach Cooper. “We already aren’t allowed to wear shorts or flip-flops, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if they banned skinny jeans as well. This school is crazy.”

Gawker's Maureen O'Connor e-mailed Eyring and was able to confirm that there is, indeed, a debate over the article of clothing raging at BYU-Idaho. In an e-mail to O'Connor, Student Services and Activities Vice President Kevin Miyasaki wrote:

We have not identified "skinny jeans" as a specific violation of the dress and grooming standard. We are aware of the incident and the Student Honor Office is working with the Testing Center to address the issue. [...]

The Testing Center has not made any new standard, nor has there been a ban of a particular piece of clothing. The effort of the Testing Center as well as with other employees and students is to encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code.

On Wednesday, however, the controversy appeared to be coming to an end, with the BYU campus posting a message on Facebook claiming that the "issue reported" has "been corrected" (i.e. the office ban has been overturned). It seems the chaos surrounding skinny jeans has been settled -- for now, at least.

Do you think skinny jeans are inappropriate?

(H/T: Gawker)