Hello! I work as an HR associate at a large firm.
My manager requested me to write up a long-standing employee of the company for wearing leggings to work, but it is common knowledge that this employee has been wearing them for years and there has been no change in policy. To be clear, they are black, simple pants that you would have to pay attention to notice they are not slacks, they are not like gym leggings, as they are a public facing employee.
This manager is not new to the company, but is very isolated and does not talk to the employees much compared to me and the others in my department.
I feel that suddenly writing someone up for this kind of behavior is against the spirit of the rule, even if the rule requires slacks in that employee's position. Can you all advise?