A Ketchum high school senior was kicked out of the Idaho Girls State convention for defying the dress code.
Susie Fisher, 17, was told to leave the leadership conference Tuesday for wearing a pantsuit instead of the mandatory skirt or dress. Fisher said she knew what she was required to wear but chose not to."The rule is archaic," Fisher said. "A woman's leadership skills are not defined by a skirt or dress. They're teaching 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds that what you wear is more important than your intellect or accomplishments."
"I don't think the dress code is archaic. I think it is a matter of good taste," said Eunice Powell, conference director. "It has not been very many years ago when dresses were the only thing that could be worn to Girls State. Now we have relented and have some days girls can wear pants."
It was the first time in Powell's seven years with the conference such action was taken. The convention teaches girls how state government functions.
Jon Maksik, headmaster of the private Community School in Sun Valley, where Fisher maintains a 3.8 GPA, said he was prepared to withdraw the school from any future participation in Girls State.
"The idea that what she has chosen to wear should matter to anyone is categorically absurd. She represents us as an intelligent and thoughtful young woman, not a model," he wrote in a letter to Girls State officials.