Lansing Catholic makes ‘adjustments’ after harassment claims

THURSDAY, March 5 — Lansing Catholic High School plans to change the way it enforces its dress code following anonymous allegations of sexual harassment and public embarrassment from female students against staff. 

More than 40 anonymous students — in a letter sent to local media outlets last week — alleged that school staff had repeatedly sexually harassed, embarrassed and demeaned female students over the fit of their school uniforms, creating a toxic learning environment and making them uncomfortable about returning to class. 

The school board, meeting privately, determined the accusations were “both inaccurate and unfair,” according to a statement released Feb. 28 by Principal Doug Moore. “However there was also sympathy and support expressed for any students who feel they are being disrespected” at school. 

The next day, however, Moore sent a letter to parents saying “adjustments” needed to be made. 

The female students claimed in their letter they were made to line up and spin around as staff made insensitive remarks. They also claimed an “assessment line” was often formed and girls with larger breasts faced additional scrutiny. Football jerseys were given out when staff didn’t approve of the uniform’s fit, they claimed. 

Moore said the school’s uniform dress code had been enforced more consistently after Christmas break and “knew it would be a challenge,” especially with girls who wore skirts. He also recognized the need for changes. 

“We apologize for any instances that have made students uncomfortable,” Moore wrote, his first public apology since the allegations surfaced. “Many parents believe in the need for and support a dress code with consistent and appropriate enforcement. There are four areas where I and the board think we need some adjustments.” 

Those areas include enforcement, compliance, parent support and availability. Moore said the staff needs to address dress code violations consistently, discreetly and using conversation that is appropriate. “Holding students accountable isn’t the same as shaming them, but our behavior and comments need to uphold the dignity of all.” 

Female students, within recent years, have been able to wear skirts that fall 2 inches above their knee rather than at their knee. Moore said 10% of students like to “test the waters” and push those limits. It was the only compliance issue that Moore referenced in the letter, making no other citation of any other dress code problems. 

“We are asking all of our parents to partner with us in making sure your child is following the dress code. As part of this process, we need to work together with the school in finding the best way to support our students,” Moore wrote, noting the school’s uniform supplier is broadening its selection to offer different sizes. “One skirt type or pair of pants will not fit all body types. Currently, some items need alterations to be uniform compliant.” 

The dress code has been an “important part of Catholic school culture and something that has been valued throughout our history,” Moore added. “We take the issue of upholding the God-given dignity of each of our students seriously at Lansing Catholic. Our students are important to us and we want them to feel valued.” 

Click here to read the full anonymous student letter sent by email to City Pulse and other media outlets.  

Editor’s Note: Reporting on Lansing Catholic High School is difficult. Board meetings are closed to the public. School officials haven’t returned calls to City Pulse, instead pointing to a communications representative for the Catholic Diocese of Lansing for comment. Most students have also remained anonymous in fear of retaliation. 

Those wishing to share their experiences from Lansing Catholic High School with City Pulse are encouraged to do so — and can remain anonymous — by contacting reporter Kyle Kaminski at kyle@lansingcitypulse.com.