I have just crafted a one-page proposal to my supervisor, asking to exercise my right to wear my kilt to work. I'd like to do it whenever I want to, but let's just get our ghillie brogues in the door. I proposed two days a year: April 6 and November 30.

Some weeks back, I had suggested that I'd like to wear it to a semi-formal work fund raiser -- I work at a nonprofit -- with a jacket, tie, hose, dress shoes, looking sharp. She thought about it and came back the next day. "I'm concerned that it will be a big distraction -- you won't be able to work the event and you'll have to constantly be explaining to people what it is and why you're wearing it." Ummm... okay. Weak sauce, but let it go and live to fight another day. Methinks she's uncomfortable with the idea of a kilt, but other than gut impression, I don't have anything to base that on. But if she is, that's not my problem.

My proposal is framed very specifically in the light that it is a reflection of my pride in my heritage. I write about the contributions Scottish-Americans have made to our country and to the State of Kansas. I said I would wear shorts under it to avoid the slightest possibility of offending someone. I cited our dress code -- which does not prohibit kilts sepcifically or ethnic clothing generally -- very carefully. I did not, however, talk about comfort or fun. I'm treating this as serious business. It's all about ethnicity and culture.

It's in her mailbox. If I'm told no, then by my logic, no one can wear clothing reflective of a country or culture. Of course, if someone did, I wouldn't complain; on the contrary, I'd support them 108% and later ask how come I can't.

If my supervisor tells me no, I am going to go over her head -- which I have never, ever done -- to her boss, our CEO.

We'll see how this goes. It could be a long, strange trip. However, with a significant number of African-American and Hispanic employees here at the agency, I don't think my supervisor, who is an attorney, wants to start down this slippery, potentially-nasty slope.

Wish me luck.