(This Footnote to History article was printed on page 22 of the March 26, 1943 edition of the Chicago Tribune, and is reprinted word-for-word below.)

MALES IN SKIRTS LOSE PROTEST AGAINST SLACKS

North Park college male students, who said they were tired of seeing co-eds running around in overall slacks and mannish shirts, yesterday arrived at the college, 3225 Foster Avenue, wearing skirts.

But the stunt backfired. Instead of being irate, the co-eds welcomed the protesting skirted brigade with everything from a giggle to a roar.

And instead of the girls giving up slacks, it was the college that took action. Dean of Students Peter Person ordered the men students to get back into trousers. Those who had not brought trousers with them and were caught with nothing to wear but skirts were sent home to change. Dean Person said “disciplinary action” would be taken—against the protesting males. The girls not only continued to wear their slacks but pulled out their shirttails, letting them fly defiantly in the breeze.