Albany’s saggy pants ordinance is racist, local prof says
Even though it was passed 10 years ago, community activists in Albany are continuing their fight against the city’s saggy pants ban.
“We know that when there’s a disproportionate impact on black males, particular with negative interactions with our police officers, you break down the culture of trust and those relationships, particularly with police and community policing that is often talked about and is necessary in the city of Albany,” said James Pratt Jr., at a recent city commission meeting.
Passed in 2010, as reported by WALB, the ban was designed to enforce public indecency statutes. It prohibits anyone from wearing pants or skirts more than 3 inches below the top of the hips, exposing skin or undergarments. First-offense fines begin at $25.
The ordinance was introduced by longtime Albany City Commissioner Tommie Postell, an African American legislator who represented his district for 16 years before retiring last year.
Pratt, a professor at Albany State University, said saggy pants are an African American male fashion statement, and he said targeting communities where they are worn is institutional racism.
