74 Arkansas Girls State staffers resign, citing fear and calls for ALA reforms

Seventy-four staff members of Arkansas Girls State resigned following the 2026 session, citing a sudden shift in program culture under the American Legion Auxiliary’s leadership. The resignations came after delegates were barred from using the Arkansas House Chamber, a decision that heightened tensions among staff. Junior Counselors Carmen Campbell and Lexington Hynes described an environment of fear and shame, including stricter dress code enforcement that they called unrealistic and hypocritical. The new dress code prohibited shorts of any length, required skirts to be at or below the knee even while sitting, and banned tank tops entirely, despite previous rules allowing three-strap tops. Staff reported girls being instructed to remove outerwear for overheating but fearing punishment for violating the dress code. Campbell noted that ALA leadership violated their own rules by not adhering to the dress code themselves, creating a double standard. Staffers also alleged favoritism in selecting delegates for Girls Nation, a week-long program in Washington D.C., claiming some qualified candidates were overlooked. One counselor reported a verbal threat from an ALA member, though no resolution was provided. The resignations reflect broader dissatisfaction with the ALA’s takeover of the program, which staffers said led to a breakdown in trust and professionalism. The abrupt changes, including mid-session dress code updates and restrictions like banning frayed jeans, made compliance difficult for delegates at the sleep-away camp. Campbell and Hynes emphasized that the culture had deteriorated to a breaking point, with staffers feeling powerless to address the issues. Their resignations aim to pressure the ALA to reform leadership and restore a positive environment for participants. The American Legion Auxiliary has not publicly addressed the resignations or the allegations in detail, leaving the future of Arkansas Girls State uncertain. Former staffers now advocate for transparency and accountability to prevent further harm to the program’s reputation and the young women involved.