ARKANSAS STUDENTS FORCED TO PULL UP THEIR PANTS!

The Arkansas state legislature has a message for public school students: pull up your pants.

Democratic Governor Mike Beebe has signed a bill that bans students from exposing their underwear, butt or breasts.

The aim of the bill is to cut out saggy jeans that expose boxers and other racy attire.

"We feel the bill can improve the learning environment in schools," Donna Morey, president of the Arkansas Education Association, told Reuters.

The Arkansas Senate passed the bill Monday night by a 32-2 vote, making it the first state to enact such legislation.

The House approved it 83-19 two weeks ago.

"This is a real problem and this is a real issue that we need to deal with," Rep. Tracy Steele said during the debate. "This is about exposing body parts and exposing undergarments."

Steele said underwear-exposing clothing has become distracting for students.

"Student competition over the manner in which clothing is worn could lead to violence and injuries during school hours," he wrote in the drafting the bill.

While the bill had little public opposition, some lawmakers argued the legislature had more important things to do or that it curbed students' rights.

"Where does it stop?" Rep. Tracy Pennartz said in the debate, according to the Times Record. "Is the next point that you can't have a girl coming to school wearing red nail polish?"

Similar bills have been shot down across the country. In Florida, the NAACP called the bill racist and complained it targeted black students. The bill in Arkansas was backed by the black caucus - and introduced by a black legislator.

SOURCE