In recent days, the ACLU of Illinois has appeared regularly in the news in and around Chicago (including an appearance on BBC Radio!) to discuss an ordinance recently adopted by the Chicago suburb of Lynnwood. The measure creates fines for young men who wear "sagging" pants -- a style in which one's pants are oversize and hang down around the hips revealing the boxer shorts worn underneath.

It seems puzzling that a community would have the time and energy to be concerned about the fashion choices of their citizens; it seems more puzzling that the city government believes that it is in their power and authority to fine people for the fashion choices they make. Worse still, because this particular fashion style is popular with young men of color, the ordinance creates an unnecessary, troubling excuse for police to approach, question and perhaps even search a young person.

This trend of barring such clothing choices seems to be catching on all over the country -- an ordinance recently was adopted in Flint, Michigan. It is a trend that bears watching.