Students protest flip-flop ban

CANTON, Ohio, April 15 (UPI) -- Several students at a Canton, Ohio, high school say they are risking Saturday detention by wearing flip-flops to school in defiance of a ban on the footwear.

The McKinley High School students said Canton City Schools went too far in January when it banned flip-flop sandals from schools along with saggy pants, slippers and midriff-showing shirts, the Canton (Ohio) Repository reported Tuesday.

Sophomore Adam Makridis, 16, who was among a group of students who spoke out against the flip-flop ban at Monday's Board of Education meeting, said he has had five Saturday detentions in recent weeks to protest his right to bare toes.

District officials said the ban was instituted for safety reasons.

"I don't think we're asking for anything ridiculous," Ken Kendall, district safety and security supervisor, said at the board meeting. "It's just that we feel comfortable saying that we think these are safety issues, and they are for your protection."

District spokeswoman Robyn Matulich said the measure also prepares students for life after high school.

"Appropriate dress carries out into the work force, as well," Matulich said. "So if you learn it here, and know how to prepare yourself, it can only help you."