US: School offers girls shapewear to address 'body image' issues; cancels program after facing backlash

This picture has been used for representational purpose. Pic/istock

A middle school in USA's Mississippi planned to offer shapewear to girl students dealing with body image issues but after facing severe backlash, they cancelled the move.

The incident came to light when one Ashley Heun's daughter brought home a school letter requesting her signature.

In the letter, parents received information on helping girls develop a healthy body image by wearing shapewear. The parents were given options and if they wanted to avail the option, they needed to inform the school about particular sizes.

According to Today, Ashley said, "I decided words and social media is a good tool and I would use that to rally the troops to change this and to really let the school know how exactly tone-deaf it was."

After her tweet, Ashley received an apology in person from the principal at school and they told her that they have discontinued the program.

"The district has been made aware of the parental permission form sent to parents by Southaven Middle School," Lauren Margeson, the DeSoto County Schools' assistant to the superintendent, told Today. She further said, "District officials understand how this type of information causes serious concern from parents."

The users on social media also backed up Ashley and called out the school for their directive.