"Native dress" at work

[styphonthal]

I work for a local native American tribal health system in USA and we have an official uniform policy which is pretty standard in that it mentions that men must wear pants, dress shirt and dress shoes. A key difference is at the end of the policy where there is an exception to the degree of "Native dress is allowed if it is appropriate for the wearers culture." I am certain that this is meant to allow for traditional native clothing, but under the wording would it protect me from punishment for wearing a kilt?

[JohntheBiker]

Depends on whether you want to be literal or observe the spirit and intent of the policy. You know what was intended. Why not just ask your boss if wearing a kilt occasionally would be acceptable without dragging out the policy and testing the tolerance of your boss and the organization.

[Steve Ashton]

We have another member who works in a Reservation Health Clinic and wears his kilt daily at the clinic.

[styphonthal]

We have another member who works in a Reservation Health Clinic and wears his kilt daily at the clinic.

Interesting, I think I may have seen someone mention Midwest IHS clinics in previous posts. Are they a physician? Midlevel provider? Nurse?

[Father Bill]

I always wonder why anyone would want to put one over on their boss. Severely career limiting move.

[styphonthal]

I always wonder why anyone would want to put one over on their boss. Severely career limiting move.

Long lasting problems with authority. Fortunately my life has allowed me to be in a position where I can avoid frequent interactions with administration.

[davidlpope]

I work for a local native American tribal health system in USA and we have an official uniform policy which is pretty standard in that it mentions that men must wear pants, dress shirt and dress shoes. A key difference is at the end of the policy where there is an exception to the degree of "Native dress is allowed if it is appropriate for the wearers culture." I am certain that this is meant to allow for traditional native clothing, but under the wording would it protect me from punishment for wearing a kilt?

Are you a native Highlander?

I'm guessing not. I suspect that like most of us you are American-born with some Scottish ancestry. If that is the case, then this is not a good fight to pick.

[ratspike]

Are you a native Highlander?

I'm guessing not. I suspect that like most of us you are American-born with some Scottish ancestry. If that is the case, then this is not a good fight to pick.

This. If you're an American then IMO it's a pretty weak angle to try to work. Thing is though, it's your boss or HR department you should be asking since they're the only ones who can give you an answer. You have nothing to lose by asking, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

[tripleblessed]

I'm gonna stand with Bob here. Ask. Politely, of course. I see a lot of cultural clothing in the Atlanta, much of which is being worn
by folk long removed from that culture (I often ask). I get tired of being told that this or that individual has a "right" to cultural
clothing, but that as a white European I have no culture to which I might feel connected. As silly as it might seem, that attitude
strengthened my long-held desire to own a kilt and wear it. They may not allow it, but I'm big on encouraging people to examine
attitudes and beliefs they may not realize they hold; it gives them a chance to remove themselves from hypocritical thinking. Not
my job if they don't; above my pay grade. But if no one gives them the opportunity, they may not ever notice. Tact is crucial, and
sometimes I even pull it off.

[Taskr]

I am certain that this is meant to allow for traditional native clothing,...

Native dress in the context of the policy is native American dress. Kilts are usually referred as the national or a regional dress of Scotland. Add your comment as quoted, above, and you've answered your own question.