A day out shopping with your sister sounds nice, right? For 20-year-old Hannah Pewee, a simple trip to the mall turned into an embarrassing moment she’ll never forget.
Over the weekend, Pewee and her sister visited the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pewee sported a summer ensemble, wearing shorts and a tank top that read “Just Keep Swimming.” However, mall security asked Pewee to leave on behalf of her “inappropriate” outfit.
In a Facebook post, Pewee shared her experience that she says left her embarrassed and nearly in tears.
https://www.facebook.com/hannah.pewee/posts/1480879221971408
With highs expected in the 90s this week in Grand Rapids, it makes one wonder what exactly is an appropriate outfit for this mall. According to the mall’s website, which has not been updated since 2013, appropriate attire includes wearing a shirt and shoes. Likewise clothing must not contain profane language. (Maybe Finding Nemo is NSFW and none of us knew?) Jokes aside, it seems like Pewee was following dress code protocol.
This is the latest high-profile clash in a long line of incidents involving the policing of women’s clothing. In April, South Carolina college student Sarah Villafane was asked to leave the school gym because of her crop top. The school stated the attire posed danger to herself and other gym-goers.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212453621837716&set=a.2284322469660.134111.1296816923&type=3&theater
Both women have begun an internet conversation on the strict clothing standards females face.
As for now, Pewee has received an apology from the Woodland Mall. The mall claims it is going to work on a revised clothing policy that clearly states what is acceptable. Until then Pewee has the support of the internet—and the 7,000 people who shared her story as of this writing.