Bring back the skirts': Texas Christian school students challenge uniform change

A new uniform policy at a Texas Christian school is facing pushback from students and parents who want one thing back: skirts. Liberty Christian School in Argyle is eliminating its traditional skirt options for upper school girls beginning with the 2026-27 school year, replacing them with navy or khaki tab skorts featuring a wrap and built-in shorts.

Now, a Change.org petition calling on the school to reverse the decision is nearing 1,000 signatures. The petition, started by students, had 962 verified signatures as of Friday. Its goal is 1,000.

"Bring back our choice," the petition says, arguing that skirts have long been part of the school's identity and give girls a way to express femininity while following Liberty's uniform requirements. The petition says the change has left some students feeling "uncomfortable and less confident" and argues that wearing skirts is about "confidence, comfort, and self-expression," rather than simply fashion.

"For years, skirts have been a staple part of our uniform that allows us to express a sense of femininity while adhering to school rules," the petition reads. "Suddenly, this option has been taken away, leaving us with limited choices and feelings of frustration."

The backlash comes as Liberty Christian rolls out a broader overhaul of its upper school uniform.

The dress code debate comes as Liberty Christian has faced other questions about its handling of adults working around students. Earlier this year, the school dismissed football defensive coordinator Gabe Eliserio after a background check raised concerns about information that had not been disclosed during the hiring process. Court records show Eliserio pleaded guilty to a sexual abuse charge in Arizona in 2005 and served jail time before being placed on probation and ordered to complete community service.

Liberty Christian said it uses third-party background checks and reference calls when hiring and was reviewing those processes after the Eliserio case.

Chron contacted Liberty Christian for comment on the dress code and was instead directed to the school's 2026-27 Uniform Catalog on its website.

The school's 2026-27 parent and student handbook says the uniform standards are intended to reflect Liberty's commitment to "honoring God" and support modesty, discipline, school spirit and a focused learning environment.

For upper school students, the new uniform allows boys and girls to wear white, navy or new storm-blue Liberty Christian polo shirts. Students can wear navy or khaki uniform pants and shorts bearing the school's logo. And, in a new change for the 2026-27 school year, students can wear navy denim jeans.

The jeans option is being offered as a one-year test and will be reconsidered for the 2027-28 school year based on the results, according to the handbook. The jeans must be regular-fit and cannot be form-fitting, low-rise, boot-cut, torn, frayed or have holes or patches.

For upper school girls, the traditional skirt options are being eliminated in favor of navy or khaki tab skorts with the Liberty Christian logo. The skorts include a wrap and built-in shorts. The handbook specifies that uniform bottoms must be purchased from the school's Liberty Locker or Lands' End, with the exception of shoes, socks and belts.

The petition argues that eliminating skirts removes a longstanding part of the school's tradition and limits girls' choices.

"Wearing skirts is about more than mere fashion," the petition says. "It is about confidence, comfort, and self-expression."

It also argues that skirts help create a consistent, cohesive appearance across campus and says the traditional uniform represents "unity and tradition."

Some comments from petition supporters are more critical of the school's decision. One commenter identifying herself as a Liberty Christian parent questioned why girls' skirts were being eliminated while boys can continue wearing shorts. Another commenter identifying as a Liberty parent called the change unfair and said the school had taken away "femininity" from its female students.

Liberty's handbook does not say skirts were removed because they were distracting or inappropriate. Instead, the school says its uniform standards are intended to promote modesty and create an environment conducive to learning. The handbook also gives school administrators the final say when questions arise over a student's appearance.

For girls in K-8, the handbook continues to permit skirts and skorts, with khaki or plaid options and a requirement that they be no shorter than 3 inches above the middle of the knee.

The students behind the petition are asking Liberty Christian administrators to reconsider the uniform change and restore skirts as an option for girls.

"Reinstate skirts in our uniform policy for the benefit of all engaged in our school's community," the petition says.

"We call on Liberty Christian School to reconsider this policy change and allow us to wear skirts again. Restore our choice and give us back a part of our identity that contributes to our comfort and success."

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