reasons why i should be allowed to wear my kilt to school

[rondo]

Is this a public school? Do they receive federal funding? If the answer to either question is yes then they are compelled by federal law to allow ethnic and cultural diversity [not sure who decides or how this is definned]. That doesn't mean you won't have a fight on your hands and at some point you must decide which fight to fight [is it worth the time, money, effort?]. Good luck. Keep us informed.
Rondo

[biblemonkey]

Why aren't you allowed to wear it? If it's public school I can't see how they could say no, but if it's catholic school, then you have to abide by the uniform rules.

Even many public schools have extremely strict dress codes these days.

[McFarkus]

My nephew just wore his (to public high school in Evanston, Illinois). Got a lot of varied reactions. He posted some good stories about it several years ago. You can look them up under Seamus.

[tpa]

Speaking from the UK, so I guess things maybe different over here and I haven't been at school for close on ½ century, but my public school had a strict uniform code, which included the kilt, but there were strict rules on what was worn when and as it was regrettably a single sex school, there was little room for manoeuvre, though it did not stop us trying. Most of the time you had to wear shorts whatever age or size you were.

My best suggestion would be to study the rule book, you never know there maybe an oversight or contradiction which you can use if need be.

Our school had many rules and the inevitable conflicts, three of which included:
you are not allowed to walk outside in the rain, (you have to run);
you were not allowed to run if you were out in the town;
the third specified how long you were allowed to be in the town.

So if you were in town and it started to rain and you needed to get back, then unless you were able to fly, which was not covered by the rules, you were likely to get a beating for either running in town, walking in the rain or being late back. A true lose lose scenario and it rained quite a lot.

Hope you find a satisfactory solution.

[Celt_GravityRebel]

As my dad says, the school really shouldn't say "No kilts!" if girls can wear skirts. One of the five (seriously, FIVE ) principals at my school got mad at me for having a bandana out of my pocket (meaning I'm straight-edge, which means I don't do drugs) even if the bandana read United States Marine Corps in large letters. I could understand that since it could start some battle between gangs but I highly doubt it. They also wont allow me to practice parkour on school grounds because I could hurt myself. Yet they have staircases and football. Why don't they just let me be active and healthy? Anyways, you should talk to the principal of your school because though there is a dress code, you can't be restricted from wearing a kilt when it can be a symbol of heritage and also if girls are allowed to wear skirts. Get your parents involved with this too and you'll have a good chance if being allowed to wear the all-awesome kilt.

P.S.- Distraction in class? My school says this about hats and I could understand if it wear a giant lobster hat or a viking helmet , but a black beanie shouldn't cause much uproar nor would a kilt. Plus, I'm sure an attractive girl wearing short-shorts and a tank-top would cause more distractions than a kilt would, so the school can't really restrict kilts for that reason if girls can wear clothing like that.

[clan campbell]

my school is really picky about what is allowed to be worn. and the dont have a "dress code" but they are very particular on clothing. and with as picky as they are for dress code violations first offense is one day in school suspension, so im concered to try to wear my kilt to school, in fear of getting introuble, i wear my kilt everywhere else so i wanted to wear it to school and im very intrugued by my scottish ancestry

[Father Bill]

So . . . why would it be so important to break or find a way around a school rule?

[piperdbh]

Alright, young Mr. Campbell. Here's the best advice you'll get all day:
Determine which English/Literature teacher you like the best. Hopefully it will be the one who teaches British Literature. Convince that teacher that next year when the class is studying Sir Walter Scott, Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Burns and all the other great Scottish writers that you should come to the class and give a short (10 minutes?) presentation on the kilt, tartan, the 'pipes, the clan system and all the other stuff that is not included in the Lit. book. You'll have all summer to read, interview and study the history so you'll be the expert on the subject. We'll help you here any way we can, won't we, Rabble? On the appointed day, take your kilt, hose, flashes/garters, good shoes, shirt and tie to school with you and change into them right before you give your presentation, then change out of them right afterward. My prediction is that the teacher will want you to come back and give the presentation for the other classes, which means that you will have worn your kilt 2, 3 or more times at school, and all in one day. Nowhere in this scenario have you shown defiance or insubordination, you will have been supervised by a faculty member for the whole time, and you will have contributed something positive to your school.
Think it will work? There's a way to find out!

[piperdbh]

So . . . why would it be so important to break or find a way around a school rule?

Same reason the chicken crossed the road: to prove to the 'possum that it can be done.

[Nighthawk]

my school is really picky about what is allowed to be worn. and the dont have a "dress code" but they are very particular on clothing. and with as picky as they are for dress code violations first offense is one day in school suspension, so im concered to try to wear my kilt to school, in fear of getting introuble, i wear my kilt everywhere else so i wanted to wear it to school and im very intrugued by my scottish ancestry

Well, with that in mind, it sounds like you're trying to arm yourself in case you run into problems. First off, if girls are allowed to wear skirts or pants, which are traditionally a mans garment, then it shouldn't be an issue for you to wear a kilt. They can't have one standard for one gender, and a different set for another. Double standards are, in this day and age, frowned upon (even while being practiced...)

Second, if it's made into an issue, point out the fact that's it's a cultural and ethnic issue- and remind them that even white people have ethnic and cultural traditions! You expect yours to receive the same respect as others.

Third, I would say take printouts of pictures of military personel wearing kilts- the Black Watch, Seaforth Highlanders, etc.

And if all else fails... mention the fact that you don't appreciate being treated with prejudice, and that the press usually doesn't, either. Before taking this approach, however, remember that most administrations can be reasonable. Talk to your admin, take along lots of pictures, make it very clear that you will wear your kilt in the most respectful manner and not as a gimmick or distraction. I would suggest in your argument that you take along a picture of you in the general type of outfit you intend to wear. Make it sharp- no Iron Maiden or Korpiclanni t shirts (like I'm wearing right now! UP THE IRONS!!) If they're not particularly receptive, suggest that the kilt be reserved for special occasions- Burns Night, St. Andrew's Day, St. Patrick's Day, etc. Most adults are more willing to give a little if you demonstrate a willingness to compromise. And I reiterate- most adults can be reasoned with. Treat them with respect, and most often, you'll get respect in return.