Cheerleaders in Central High School in Bridgeport, CT are protesting their midriff-exposing uniforms. The Connecticut Post reported that a half-dozen upperclassmen on the cheerleading squad team appeared before the city Board of
Education to express their dismay.
“We ask with the utmost respect you do anything in your power to help us,” said Heidi Medina, a former team captain, removing oversized sweats to reveal a quarter-length top and exposed middle. “I don't feel comfortable wearing this.”
“It really hurts our self esteem,” said Ariana Mesaros, another senior on the team. “I am embarrassed to stand up here dressed like this. Is this really how you want Bridgeport to be represented?”
Nyasia Clemons, a senior, said the uniforms violate league rules that require uniforms, when “standing at attention, apparel must cover the midriff.”
Denise Clemons, assistant superintendent for secondary schools, told the Post that the new uniforms are appropriate, that the sizes were based on sizes students gave last spring, but that the city's athletic director would purchase black body suits for the girls to wear underneath the uniform.
The girls' complaint comes soon after a study on college cheerleaders was released that determined that women, especially those wearing midriff-bearing uniforms, are at risk of developing eating disorders.
