As the Alabama Department of Corrections was preparing for the execution of a death-row inmate, a journalist was stopped from reporting. According to the authorities, her skirt was “too short” and violated the “prison dress code”.
Alabama execution: Journalist stopped for violating “prison dress code”
A prison official stopped Ivana Hrynkiw, a reporter and the managing producer of AL.com from attending an execution. According to the official, her dress did not meet the dress regulations.
However, she tried to salvage the situation by pulling the skirt down to the hips to increase its length. But the prison official wasn’t up for it. Hrynkiw then borrowed a pair of fisherman’s waders from a local television photographer.
“I have worn this skirt to prior executions without incident, to work, professional events, and more and I believe it is more than appropriate. At 5′10″ with my heels on, I am a tall and long-legged person,” she tweeted. “I put on the man’s pants and attached the suspenders underneath my shirt to stay up. This was an uncomfortable situation, and I felt embarrassed to have my body and my clothes questioned in front of a room of people I mostly had never met,” added Hrynkiw.
More on the dress code violation
However, the problem did not stop there. Hrynkiw’s open-toed shoes also posed a problem. She changed into a pair of tennis sneakers she had in her car.
Kim Chandler, a reporter with the Associated Press stated she underwent a full-body inspection. She had to stand and get the length of her clothing checked. However, following the assessment, she was cleared to attend the Alabama execution.
“This was sexist and an egregious breach of professional conduct. And it should not happen to any other reporter again,” stated Kelly Ann Scott. Scott is the editor in chief and the vice president of content for the Alabama media group.
AL.com also filed a formal complaint on Friday with Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and the state’s Department of Corrections. The Associated Press has also sent a letter to Ivey asking for an investigation. It has also asked to “ensure such behavior is not tolerated and does not occur again.”