Another "educator" needs to be educated

[NewKilt]

I think we are going to see more and more of these cases appearing. This one is clearly a protest about inequality of treatment in enforcing the dress code. However, the boys seemed to be dress quite nicely based on the discription in the article. Wether the kilts were actually disrupting the learning process is most likely debatable.

This still comes down to the question of the kilt being appropriate dress, And in this case the principle can make a determination based on his or her own opinion. School uniforms may be an answer, because it leave little doubt about dress code violations. However, I would prefer to see more education of school officials regarding the kilt being acceptable attire.

I think these cases are going to have to be won by protests lead by the kilt wearing community. It will be one small victory at a time, until the educators receive education about the kilt being appropriate male attire. At the same time, male students who wear the kilt will need to do so in a dignified manner, otherwise what we gain, we could easily loose.

Darrell

[bubba]

If it is a protest concerning unequal enforcement of the dress code the next step after this protest is to file a complaint with the school district. At this point I don't see this being a heritage issue.

[Raphael]

Until I have seen some proof that those boys are actually wearing kilts, I am going to think that they wore skirts to school that day. They wore their Homemade creation, a table cloth and duct tape perhaps, to raise their voice and to protest. They wore that to cause a co-motion.

I think the principal did the right thing because they were not wearing kilts and they were looking for troubles.

Send those punk arses to detention too.

[Blu (Ontario)]

.... Send those punk arses to detention too....

OK, but better also send the girls who were violating the rules as well.

[Rigged]

At this point I don't see this being a heritage issue.

I think being male is a pretty important part of my heritage. Males are being discriminated against in schools and work when it comes to clothing.

But then, there are lots of folks who see kilt-wearing strictly as an expression of their culture and are quite happy with them being restricted -- even to the extent of limiting everyone else's clothing choices to uniforms.

As I've said before, there are a lot of different agendas at work here.

My agenda is, and has always been: "What gets more guys into kilts is good. What doesn't get more guys into kilts is bad."

[macwilkin]

I think being male is a pretty important part of my heritage. Males are being discriminated against in schools and work when it comes to clothing.

But then, there are lots of folks who see kilt-wearing strictly as an expression of their culture and are quite happy with them being restricted -- even to the extent of limiting everyone else's clothing choices to uniforms.

As I've said before, there are a lot of different agendas at work here.

My agenda is, and has always been: "What gets more guys into kilts is good. What doesn't get more guys into kilts is bad."

Rigged -- I certainly respect your right to wear whatever you please. Why do some who choose to wear the "modern" or "casual" style of kilts seem to view of all of us who are "traditionalists" as always hostile towards them? I'll admit they're out there, but why should my choosing to follow certain customs regarding Highland Dress be "limiting", when the only person it's limiting is me --and I think I can live with that! ;)

My kilt is an expression of my heritage, and I want to show it the respect it deserves. I don't expect anyone else to, since I cannot live anyone else's life. But I do expect those who demand respect from me to return it.

I've said before, and I'll say it again, some of the most (but not all!) intolerant folks I have ever met are non-conformists demanding that everyone conform to their standards. I'm not saying this about Rigged, just a observation and opinion.

Rant off.

Todd

[Ruanaidh]

If you would like to speak to these educators:
Principal:
Kevin Stewart kstewart@southmont.k12.in.us
Assistant Principal:
Mike Tricker mtricker@southmont.k12.in.us

A Stewart no less!

[bubba]

Rigged, I just don't see this as a heritage issue. A justice issure, yes, but given the information in the article it really was about equal enforcement of the dress code, not heritage.

[ian]

My letter:


Principal:
Mr. Kevin Stewart
kstewart@southmont.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal:

Mr. Mike Tricker
mtricker@southmont.k12.in.us

Mr. Stewart,

I write in support of two of your students wearing kilts, Richard Mayotte, 17, and Dustin Christal, 16. I do understand they are doing so in protest of the dress code and it's perceived misapplication. Many children are taught "tolerance and diversity" and being teenagers often rebel when they feel they are being held to standards that don't apply to others. The tolerance and diversity issue, to be effective, must work both ways, not just in favor of minorities or females. I'm sure they would not have chosen wearing kilts as a protest if unwarranted. I also understand it would be impossible to ensure the dress code is being met by every student or enforced by every teacher.

I believe a dress code should be present, reasonable and enforced. I've certainly been shocked at the attire I have seen some teenage females wearing of late. The kilt, in my opinion, is not lewd or inappropriate. Honestly, young women are taking far greater liberties in their choice of clothing than young men.

I trust the students worn the kilts in good taste. Kilts are definitively male garments and have a long and proud history. Kilts need not be tartan or worn for Tattoo or heritage festivals. I wear kilts almost daily. Yes, I do get odd looks and a few comments but mostly support and curious inquiries in my choice of attire.

I'm a 41-year-old male who is an eleven-year veteran of the U.S. Army. I served in combat with the 82nd Airborne division and I'm of Scottish ancestry. I have three children, 18 female, 19 male and a 7-year-old girl. Oddly enough, my son is taken aback concerning kilts. It takes a little more courage to wear a kilt. Thankfully your students were decent enough to protest in a rational manner.

Judging by the Stewart surname, you must also be of Scottish descent. I respectfully request you allow male students to wear kilts and a matter of pride, tradition and heritage.

We are well aware that men, young and old could benefit from being proud and wearing attire that gives them empowerment and something uniquely male in an "off-kilter" (intended) world of political correctness and conformity. Apparently their mothers agree, the article I read mentioned they made them for their sons.

Thanks for your time.


Ian Jackson

Zionsville, Indiana

[arrogcow]

Until I have seen some proof that those boys are actually wearing kilts, I am going to think that they wore skirts to school that day. They wore their Homemade creation, a table cloth and duct tape perhaps, to raise their voice and to protest. They wore that to cause a co-motion.

I think the principal did the right thing because they were not wearing kilts and they were looking for troubles.

Send those punk arses to detention too.

First, the article says that one of their mothers made the kilts from a traditional kilt pattern (Probably the simplisity one).

Second, they are absoultely right in protesting an unfair double standard. Once when I was in school the vice principal stopped me in the hall for a "Dress code" violation. I was wearing a mussle shirt - tank tops were prohibited, t-shirts allowed, I was in between, but the jocks got away with wearing them all the time. Still it was a judgement call on the VP. However, while he was yelling at me (in public in the hall) a girl walked up to him to ask a question. She was dressed in shorts and a tube top, both specifically prohibited in the dress code. He could have cared less. He lost what ever credibility he had with me right there.

Adam