Pennsylvania Middle School Bans Ugg Boots

It wasn't simply a style decision — students were apparently hiding cell phones in the "open top boots."

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Atmosphere during UGG Australia Suite at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California, United States.

In an effort to curb cell phone usage during classes, Pottstown Middle School will require students to leave their beloved fuzzy boots at the door.  The ban on Ugg boots starts Monday, and those who wear boots on the way to school will have to change into sneakers or other lace-up, tight shoes before entering classes.

“We have been experiencing problems with some students wearing open top boots and carrying items in their boots that are prohibited in school,” Principal Gail Cooper wrote in a note sent home to parents Wednesday, Pottstown’s The Mercury reports.

(MORE: The War on Pajamas Continues: Dublin Welfare Agency Bans PJs)

Though the restrictions apply to all “outdoor, open-top” footwear, John Amarato, the district’s director of community relations, told The Mercury the popular UGG Australia shoes (and their off-brand counterparts) were causing the most trouble.

When the news hit Facebook, a stream of virulent reactions from parents followed.  According to The Mercury, more than 100 comments had been posted on the newspaper’s page within an hour. And though some parents note that cell phones are a distraction, some told NBC Philadelphia that it’s just as easy to hide devices in sneakers.

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