The majority of counselors who served during the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Arkansas Girls State session have resigned, citing concerns over program leadership, treatment of participants and changes implemented during this year’s event.
According to a press release issued by the counselors, 74 of the program’s 78 counselors submitted resignations following the conclusion of the 2026 session.
The former counselors allege delegates and staff experienced instances of body shaming, misogyny and threats of dismissal based on actions they say were not explicit violations of program rules.
Among the concerns raised was a revised dress code requiring dresses and skirts to be knee-length, prohibiting shorts, restricting ripped jeans and requiring shirts to cover shoulders and cleavage. Counselors alleged some committee members used language that shamed delegates and staff who were not dressed according to the standards.
The counselors also expressed concerns about participants wearing additional layers in extreme heat to avoid potential dress code violations.
Additional allegations included the treatment of counselors by members of the Arkansas Girls State Committee, concerns over diversity in selection-based awards and leadership positions, and reports of inappropriate comments directed toward delegates.
In a statement, the former counselors called for reforms to the program’s dress code, greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion and changes to the leadership structure of Arkansas Girls State.
The American Legion Auxiliary disputed the allegations, calling them “unsubstantiated and inaccurate” and stating they do not reflect the documented events of the 2026 session.
The organization specifically denied some allegations, including claims that a delegate’s room was searched for a vape and that delegates were threatened with dismissal from the program.
The ALA also stated that no formal complaints regarding the allegations were submitted through established reporting channels during or after the session.
“The Committee stands firmly by the integrity of its volunteers, its procedures, and its long-standing commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all delegates,” the organization said in its response.
The dispute comes as both sides continue to offer sharply different accounts of events that occurred during the 2026 Arkansas Girls State session.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
