...to be kilted at prom...

[CDNSushi]

In the end it really comes down to how passionately you want to see this thing through and to what end you are willing to go. Although it is wise advice to choose one's battles carefully, I also understand if someone would want to make this their last stand. If this were so, I would probably approach it thusly.

I would start out by meeting with the principal and talking to him again, showing him the photo (or similar ones) that Jock Scot did, and speaking about Celtic heritage. Failing that, I would mention that it would, in fact not be lawful to bar me from wearing a kilt to the prom, citing precedence (Utah). I am reminded of a line in Fiddler on the Roof, when the young couple approaches Tevye to announce that they were getting married and they tell him that they are not there to ask for his permission. They are there to ask for his blessing. I would tell just that to the principal. Meaning, in other words, say "yes" or "no" I'm coming kilted regardless. I would rather do it WITH your okay than without... But if it's without and I am sent home, there's going to be a storm of legal and media backlash over this.

Again, that is if I wanted to make my stand here and not back down no matter what.

Otherwise, the advice from my previous thread still stands.

[Inchessi]

I think the number one thing you need to remember is that you should be unfailingly polite and respectful. A confrontational attitude will probably get you shot down immediately. On the other hand, you do not want to be timid either. Be confident when you lay out your reasons for wanting to wear the kilt, and assure him you are not doing it to make a scene or cause any problems. Threats are probably not a good idea as you may want to keep him on your side as a future reference. If he still says no, despite your best efforts, then wear a nice suit and have a great time anyway!

I tend to agree with you.

The second best advice I received was from a friend who ended up being a lawyer. We're still friends though. He said to always offer flowers first. It is always easier to escalate than to scale back.

[Casper]

Out of sheer curiosity... take a look at your principal's surname. Quite often, even educators are unaware of the origin of their family...

[ChubRock]

I spoke with the principal at my school. He is all for the kilt, but like all administrators do, wonders if it opens a door to cross dressers. Each year one or two students choose to appear at prom in dresses (for boys) or tuxes (for girls.) His response is they deal with it on a case by case basis. It truly helps if you develop a relationship of respect with the principal so he/she knows that it comes from a place of respect of heritage and style.

It absolutely would help showing photos of other kilted prom goers in formal attire, weddings, ceremonies, etc. Here are some prom photos that you may use to illustrate other garb that seems to be allowed, so why not a kilt and PC?

[IsaacM]

Thanks guys, I will try to post the letter tomorrow. I'm not going to disclose my Principals name, but his last name is obviously a name of a Scottish clan, and a rather famous tartan.

Another bit of info I heard the other day while I discussed this with my friends, is that a friend on mine came to the school dance in '08 DRESSED AS A PIRATE... AND THEY WERE OK WITH IT...

So if a pirate costume is appropriate, how is a kilt not?

Also, my Dad and the majority of my family is now behind me on this 100 percent (the rest just don't care).

I'm so glad for all the support I'm getting.

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

Sounds likes it's all in order now. Keep us updated on how this unfolds.

Good Luck

[SMOKEnPipesJim]

It's already been made a confrontation. A school official called the kid out on wearing his kilt. I don't see a problem with pointing out to the principal that other schools have been roasted on the internet and in the media for being bigoted and hypocritical over the same issue. Nothing is secret in the world of the internet. He probably doesn't want the heat.

I personally have a problem with any school official, teacher, aide, or janitor telling my kid that he is wrong about anything. The way he dresses is the way I send him out the door. If there is a problem, address ME. Do not embarrass my child in front of others in order to make your point. There are too many teachers and faculty members that have insane egos and superiority complexes.

I had a librarian tell my 9 year old son that he was a liar because he told the class a story of one of his ancestors (my great-grandfather) who fought in the American Civil War and how he was wounded at Chickamauga. I sent photos and copies of records to school the next day. I wanted to deliver them personally.

If they told me my son was unable to wear a kilt to any school function, the first call I would make is to my attorney. He happens to be of Scottish descent as well.

Maybe I'm not the guy to ask if you don't want to ruffle feathers. I don't take it lightly when people use position, age, and degrees of education to bully others.

again NOt to begin a fight here over the issue at hand, but maybe as a parent of a "gay" son who wants to wear his mothers evening gown, to impress his significant whatever.. and is refused because of his sexual preferances I''ll just hire him a gay lawyer and sew the school districts pants off... or my butch daughter wants to attend wearing her chaps and leathers...Ugh lol

you can begin to see why many administrators take issue and remain spineless.. don't get me wrong,,, ...I've had guys say they wouldn't play in the band because they (the band) wore a dress... at least they (the Band members) aren't ignorant as you (the guy talking) was my answer..lol

running around on Youtube I've found a bunch of Utilikilt stuff, commercials, lots of traditional stuff, and surprisingly lots of younger people doing stuff in kilts or like attempts at making a kilt... from proms to goofing around to running for class offices to snowboarding which seems to have a following in europe... anyway..

Jim

[SMOKEnPipesJim]

of course we often can be our worst enemies,,,, found this tonight obviously older but you DO have these sorts of nitwits out there too.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSeOSYsiKJc


Jim

[Nighthawk]

I wholeheartedly disagree. If he says no, despite your best efforts, why go?

Attending in anything less than a kilt after fighting to do so is an insult.

Discrimination is just that, no matter if you are of European descent.

I like you. I've been saying the same thing to this kid. Those of us of European ancestory have the same depth of culture as any other culture! If he were a black kid wanting to wear a dashiki, would the principal have anything to say? Why should that kid have any more right than a kid of Scots/Irish ancestory wanting to wear his own cultural garb? But respectfully, I have to disagree with you- it is not an insult. Calling it a skirt- that's an insult. Denying one kid the same rights that are extended to others- such as making an old black woman give up her seat on a bus so a young and healthy white man can sit down instead- is much more than a simple insult. There's a special word for it- descrimination. Plain and simple. If my kids school disallows my son to wear his kilt to any school function, I will first ask if it is a universal policy that applies to all the kids of all the cultures represented in the school. If not, then I will insist that my son be treated with the same respect as all other students. If that fails... I will be happy to have a lawyer give the school a call and discus the matter further as my representation. I seem to recall prejudice creating quite a problem here in this country not so many years ago. Prejudice is prejudice, no matter who it's directed at, and it can't be tolerated.

I have to say... I was planning to stay out of this thread because this kind of thing gets me fired up and angry... but I couldn't help myself!

[Mr. MacDougall]

I attended the prom in a kilt back in '86. Yes, I am old. Anyway, my date wore a very nice tux tailored for a woman's figure, and we both looked great. The only person who didn't approve was my vice principle, and we both ignored him.

Good luck in your negotiations with your school's administration, and I applaud your maturity in dealing with this issue.