A new research study that used MRI to show that wearing neckties could restrict blood flow to the brain has prompted the mayor of a California town to propose a law that would bar employers in the city from requiring that their workers wear ties.
Lancaster Mayor Rex Parris. Image courtesy of the city of Lancaster.
Parris said he found the findings "deeply disturbing," and that he is "compelled to investigate them further."
"It would seem that if someone has high blood pressure or any condition that could be adversely affected by reduced cerebral blood flow, this would be an issue," he said in a statement released by the city. "At the very least, wearing a tie should not be required by employers. It should be an option."
Parris went on to note that women were once required to wear high heels in the workplace, but such footwear is now an option.
"Similarly, this new finding regarding neckties requires responsible leadership to re-evaluate the standards of 'image' against the measure of health risks involved," Parris concluded.
