A Houston school principal who stirred up a nationwide
controversy over what is appropriate attire
for parents at school.
Critics say the policy is discriminatory and discourages
parents from being involved in their kids' education.
But in an exclusive interview with Les Trent,
the principal defended her actions.
She's the high school principal
at the center of a firestorm.
She's ordered a dress code for the parents.
Why did you feel there was a need
for a dress code for parents?
I felt a need to enact the dress code
because it was an educational environment,
a place of learning.
And when anyone walks in, we have impressionable children
and we have to model what we want them to know.
Principal Carlotta Outley Brown sent out this letter
informing parents they need to be appropriately dressed
when they come on school grounds to drop off
or pick up their children.
If not, they're subject to being asked
to leave the campus.
We have to show them what is right, what is correct,
and what they need to do when they go different places.
For example, you don't wear a swimsuit to school;
you wear it to the beach.
What's banned?
Hair bonnets, shower caps, hair rollers,
low-cut tops, torn jeans that show too much skin,
uncovered leggings, and absolutely no Daisy Dukes.
One instance, a mother came in
with a see-through shirt and you could clearly see
her breasts and her nipples.
For the men, no sagging pants
or tank top undershirts.
The new requirement is causing a national stir.
For a lotta people, it's hard just getting everybody
out the door, let alone getting dressed yourself.
Principal Brown says she's received
an outpouring of support.
Keep up the good work, hi-five.
Someone needed to take the stance.
You're doin' a great job, don't back down.
Hi Carlotta.
The principal has earned national praise before
for her work with students.
In 2016, Ellen Degeneres featured her on her show.
$100,000.
(school cheer)
Brown herself graduated from Madison High School
in Houston in 1979,
and it was her dream to return someday as principal.
It's about academic excellence
and doing what we need to do so our children are successful.
Miss Brown says she'll be meeting with parents
on Monday to discuss the dress code.
