A school in Mississippi is facing backlash after it offered female students shapewear in an attempt to address body image issues.
Female students at Southaven Middle School were sent home a letter titled, “Why Do Girls Suffer from Body Image?” In the letter, it broke down body image issues and later on in the letter suggested parents give their daughters “healthy literature” and shapewear clothing items.”
“We, the counselors of Southaven Middle School, would like to have an opportunity to offer some healthy literature to your daughter on maintaining a positive body image,” a portion of the letter reads, ABC 7 reports.
“It’s hard to raise girls in this environment with social media, with filters and Photoshop,” said parent Ashley Heun. “They’re bombarded with images of what the ideal body is.” Heun sent a letter email to Southaven’s school principal John Sartain in response.
“The letter, unfortunately, takes an unforeseen turn by offering my daughter SHAPEWEAR,” read Huen’s email. “If my daughter begged me for shapewear, I would tell her no. Now I find out that you are ENCOURAGING her to wear it. I, honestly, am baffled that a ‘counselor’ who is TRAINED in child psychology would actually think that this is a good idea.”
Eventually, this made its way to Lauren Margeson, DeSoto County School’s executive administrative assistant to the superintendent. Margeson said in a written statement that the district is aware of the incident. “The district has been made aware of the parental permission form sent to parents by Southaven Middle School,” said Margeson. “District officials understand how this type of information causes serious concern from parents.”
