Ban Appealed on Sagging Pants

Maria Castellon, Staff Writer

To many, sagging pants has always been seen as a not so pleasant public display. Recently, in July, there was a ban approved for sagging pants.

“It’s disgusting and it looks uncomfortable,” said Erica Coronado, a senior.

While many do not find sagging pants as a big deal, others find it to be offensive and even degrading. It is also something most people like to see. Originally, if someone was sagging pants, they were given a fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail.

“I don’t think it’s cool,” said Try Lagraham, a sophomore.

The ban was repealed when members of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) threatened to file a lawsuit. There was a vote at the city council, which ended in with 4-1, repealing the ban.

Though there is much controversy over whether sagging pants should be allowed, others do not care. Some people do not see sagging pants as such a big issue. It’s something that is not too important to be involving the government to handle.

“I’m not really for it, but I tend to do it if I’m not wearing a belt,” said Amos Viellot, a junior.

The NAACP wants to prevent more bans like this. They feel like these types of bans target certain groups of people and violate their rights on how they choose to dress. For the mean time, in Ocala, it’s safe to say you’re allowed to sag your pants.