Update on Nathan Warmak

[Prester John]

Well, I know all about thankless work (sorry for the whining), and thought that everyone, including a principal, needs an attaboy once in a while.

I agree that the second principal made a better decision, but I feel in giving credit where it's due if possible. It's not always possible...as I found out!

[pmack]

although great strides have been made in our quest for justice, please understand that what you read was only part of the story. mr. mcclards statement was nothing more than a justification for his actions, is was NOT an appology.
giving nathan permission was never an option for us, rather that nathan and all students have the RIGHT to wear formal cultural attire to school functions. let's not jump too quickly on mr. mcclards band wagon, for he still has not yet apologized for the embarrassment that he caused nathan, as well as the disrespect he showed for our scotish heritage.
we are very hopeful that this will all be cleared up as soon as monday, but don't beleive everything that you hear from the AP.

TERRY WARMACK (NATHANS FATHER)

[GMan]

Thanks for the clarification Terry. It is nice to know that you are still fighting. We are still with you.

[Southern Breeze]

Thanks for the update and clarification.

[Blu (Ontario)]

The issue will be closed when the Warmack family say it's closed. Let's just hope that when monday rolls around, that McClard is man enough to do the right thing.


blu

[bubba]

He'll do the right thing when his superiors order him to, not before.

[GlassMan]

I agree that this is not over. The school district attorney say that Nathan can wear the kilt as long as it isn't disruptive doesn't settle anything at all. And if the word came from the attorney I doubt the principal had anything to do with that decision making process.

Sounds to me like we still have a long way to go. You still have my full support Mrs. Warmack!

[highlander_Daz]

I think its turned into a much wider issue, and to be honest I dont know much about US law (other than people seem to revel in sueing each other) but as the college principal I would expect principal McClard is well within in rights to impose any dress code he sees fit during school time (IE a uniform) outside of that, (but on school premises) I think he still is entitled to some kind of veto as what people wear, I know people are upset simply becasue it involves the kilt and Scots heritage etc, But as the principal he is entitled to impose terms and conditions of dress on events that happen in school time or on school property, Are we going to have a situation where every time someone disagrees with a school principal- then they get sued or someone calls the local paper or starts an internet petition. As for people having the right to do this or wear that, thats rubbish, an organiser of an event can impose a dress code as condition of entry, if you dont like it dont attend. I hope principal McClard has changed his mind and allows Nathan to wear the Kilt with proper accesories, and I hope hes changed his mind becasue of reasoned argument and logic and not mob rule.

I would be interested to know if anyone approached Principal McClard in advance to let him know that Nathan would be wearing the kilt, I can hear people now screaming "but why should he -he has the RIGHT to wear his kilt!" maybe he does maybe he doesnt, but purely out of courtesy.

[Blu (Ontario)]

I think its turned into a much wider issue...

Let's face it. McClard is king of his little domain. He has power over these young people and he likes it. The kilt made him personally uncomfortable so he used his power and control to make the feeling go away. He abused his power the moment he opened his mouth and uttered the disparaging remarks in order to belittle Nathan. That is what is most offensive to us because we all, at one time or other, have faced similar ignorance.

My spider sense tells me that the meeting on monday will result in the following:

1. McClard will almost make a partial apology,

2. There will be a one-time permission for Nathan to wear highland attire at years end,

3. The school will adapt a beefed up dress code protecting McClards sensetivities and,

4. The dress code will effectively prevent male students from emulating Nathan's example,

5. McClards position and appearance of power and control will be maintained.


I wouldn't be too optimistic about anything but a compromise. I am confident that the affair will leave a slight aftertaste in the mouths of the parties involved, the likes of us, and the 11,000+ folks that cared enough sign the petition. McClards position regarding men in kilts will be unchanged.

I hope it goes better that this but we shall see.


blu

[Graham]

Blu, I suspect you may be right. It's rare for people in authority to admit they were wrong and change their position, at least this is my experience of committees, churches, local governments, politicians etc etc.