Officials with the Miss America Organization say the pageant is ending its swimwear part of the competition. The head of the organization, Gretchen Carlson, announced the change Tuesday. She said the event will no longer judge competitors on their appearance but on “what makes you you.” The pageant began in the seaside town of Atlantic City, New Jersey almost 100 years ago. In recent years, women’s groups and others have criticized the pageant. They say making the competitors wear swimsuits is outdated and sexist. Tuesday's announcement came after leadership changes within the Miss America Organization. The changes followed reports last December that Miss America officials had criticized winners’ intelligence, appearance and sex lives. The comments appeared in emails that were made public. Women now hold the top three positions at the organization.
