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[csbdr]

Weeeelll...the other side of things here is with guys like this, pressing the issue often has the opposite effect. Rather than pusuaded, they are angered and defensive next about your confronting the issue further. They are not only mired in their ignorance, but afraid. Afraid of their staff, parents, upper admin, you name it. I don't know this guy but it sounds like you have already made well reasoned, thoughtful arguements and he has still come to a fairly ignorant conclusion and decision. I'm not saying don't give it a go, but it doesn't sound like this guy will ever have the open mindedness to give the green light.

[Nighthawk]

Weeeelll...the other side of things here is with guys like this, pressing the issue often has the opposite effect. Rather than pusuaded, they are angered and defensive next about your confronting the issue further. They are not only mired in their ignorance, but afraid. Afraid of their staff, parents, upper admin, you name it. I don't know this guy but it sounds like you have already made well reasoned, thoughtful arguements and he has still come to a fairly ignorant conclusion and decision. I'm not saying don't give it a go, but it doesn't sound like this guy will ever have the open mindedness to give the green light.

You are very correct. That's exactly why Isaac needs to go above the principals head. The school board, the press- public schools are just that- public. He's a public official, and as such, works for the parents and students. One thing that people lose sight of is the fact that high school kids have the same civil rights as the rest of us. Schools do not have the right to search your bags without just cause any more than cops have the right to search my car without just cause. They do not have the right to limit your expression of heritage while allowing others to express theirs. They only think they have that right, and it's because no one fights back. If Isaac goes to the school board and makes a public issue out the principals prejudice, that will go a long way towards making things right. You said "They are not only mired in their ignorance..." That's not correct. Ignorance is a lack of education. Isaac has already education the principal, so it's not ignorance. It's stupidity. Ignorance is human nature. You are ignorant. I am ignorant. There is no way to ever not be ignorant. I don't speak Chinese, for example; I therefore am ignorant of the Chinese language. The principal has been educated about the history of Highland formal wear, been shown pictures, has been presented with reasonable arguments, and replied with "Nuh uh. I don't wanna" as his counter argument. That fits into the realm of stupidity, pure and simple, which is all that prejudice is- pure stupidity, a refusal to learn.I stopped tolerating stupid people a long time ago- especially the ones who use their authority to abuse people.

[AFS1970]

The principal is clearly using what I like to call "I'm the Mommy, that's why" logic.

If you choose to further this fight above his head, check one thing out first. See if there is a level between him and the school board, like a superintendent. If so, go there first. You have been very responsible and done things the right way up until now, it would not do well to miss a step here and risk alienating a potential ally.

Also, understand that the wheels of government often turn slowly and this fight may not even be decided in time for your prom, so if you take this fight further, you may be fighting for the principal and your children's right to wear kilts to their proms more than your own. That in and of itself does not make the argument any more or less valid. Just be prepared.

Thinking back to my own prom, there was one student who wore much more formal wear than the rest of us, and he was a guy who was rarely seen out of t-shirt and jeans. He chose a coat with tails, a top hat and even had a cane. I was very noticeable, and yet at the same time, not disruptive at all. I remember him getting several compliments from the other guys at the prom.

As for the slippery slope, the principal and school district is probably already at least half way down that slope, because as so many have mentioned there are other cultures that are openly encouraged to wear cultural dress. If anything, it is this that has allowed your cultural dress to be an option.

While I am not a fan of compromise, I can see the value of the tartan tie and cummerbund. If it doesn't conflict to badly, may I also suggest a sash for your date? I think that would set the tone quite well.