Updated

A North Carolina school system's proposal to ban skinny jeans and other tight pants has drawn a flood of opposition from students and parents.

The New Hanover County School System in the Wilmington area is considering a policy that prohibits all students from wearing leggings, skinny jeans and "any other excessively tight fitting pants" unless worn with a top or dress that "must cover the posterior in its entirety," local media outlets report.

School Board Vice Chairwoman Jeannette Nichols said the proposal was developed after some "bigger girls" were being bullied because of their tight jeans.

Chris Furner, a parent of a first-grade student at Parsley Elementary School, told the StarNews of Wilmington that although parents are concerned about the issue of bullying, changing the dress code might not be the best way to address the situation.

"From my perspective, telling people that they can't wear something because they are being bullied takes away the choice from them," he said. "They could have the choice to change their clothes if that is the case."

Furner said the focus could be placed on teaching students how to interact with one another.

On social media sites, one parent accused the school board of body shaming, while a student asked whether the board would buy her a new wardrobe.

Nichols said that, because of the number of comments coming in, she would likely recommend the proposal be brought back to the policy committee for more discussion.