No Kilts Allowed?

**Dall_Piobaire** · 13th January 11, 01:06 PM

Should all else fail, the Hay tartan in a comberbun, tasteful, nice with black.

Now, in my old school days, I would have worn light slacks with button tabs on the legs, shorts to slacks n seconds. But, than again that is why I wa always on the superintendants hit list. Yes, not the principal, the superintendant. I try to make my impressions at the top LOL

Best of luck, and best wishes...from a Boyd!

**Nighthawk** · 13th January 11, 02:07 PM

Something I notice that sticks with me as a point of minor irritation... Slacks are female attire; trousers are for men.

Seems to me that they're encouraging crossdressing, so wearing a garment as masculine as a kilt may turn out to be a problem after all!

**tulloch** · 13th January 11, 02:08 PM

Yes, ask for a waiver for this article of clothing. They are trying to keep it from degenerating into a rave or something else outrageous. Let them know it is sober, formal and an important cultural icon. Ask for a waiver for this event.

**Mark Stephenson** · 13th January 11, 03:12 PM

Don't lose sight of the fact that the Federal Government has officially recognized National Tartan Day. I'm no attorney but it seems to me this may provide a sanctioning umbrella under which the Federal Government recognizes the ethnicity of those who are of Scottish heritage. In other words, it may be that the ethnicity facet of this could be tied to civil rights. This may be important as the doctrine of sovereign immunity does NOT apply to violations of civil rights. This means that if your sons civil rights are violated you can sue the school district and individual school officials. It would be nice to hear an attorney weigh in on this. Nevertheless, I think it best for you to be prepared, but not to have your initial meeting based on an adversarial approach. Take a positive initial approach with the school and maybe you will be pleasantly surprised by a supportive ruling. If not, you will be prepared for a swift and more adversarial response.

**hootstwo** · 13th January 11, 03:30 PM

View from a current highschool teacher.

I've got to say, I actually laughed a few times while reading the contract for the dance. I'm the lead staff supervisor for all dances (including formal and prom) at my school and this just makes me thankful I teach where I do. If they have to rigorously contract a dance to that level, I can't imagine the lack of freedom you'd have while teaching there. (Obviously just my opinion and I'm conjecturing and have no knowledge of the situation)

I wear my kilt and appropriate black tie apparel when I supervise prom and formal, so it'd be fine at mine! The kids and administrators at the school love it. In the 6 years I've been doing it, there have been 3 students who have worn kilts as well.

It bothers me that administrators would rather say "Them's the rules" than use common sense. In my opinion, it's the easy way out.

**Mark's Mom** · 13th January 11, 04:56 PM

Hi Mark Stephenson
You're absolutely right about not taking an adversarial approach. I have never taken an adversarial approach in negotiating Marks Special Ed. services throughout the many years of his schooling. I have just come in very knowlegeable and prepared. For that reason, Mark has received more services at his schools than most other sp. ed. kids whose parents call the lawyer in every time.

In the case of getting permission for Mark to wear a kilt, I know I have to detach from emotional issues and get to the core question: Is Mark asking to do something that is wrong? No. Will anyone be injured by what he plans to do? No. Is he within his rights to wear formal wear from a specific culture that is part of his heritage? In my opinion, absolutely. All of the comments I have received have clarified my feelings on this issue. "Ethnicity" has somehow taken on the meaning of anything Non-European. To me, Ethnicity has no boundaries. Mark is not asking to wear a pair of Lederhosen to the prom, which would be inappropriate because it is not formal attire. He wants to wear the formal attire of his heritage. There is something very basically right in what he wants to do and I stand behind him 100%. Thanks for your help!

**dutchy kilted** · 13th January 11, 05:09 PM

I think some Germans might argue that Lederhosen IS formal attire.

Best of luck and keep us updated!

**artificer** · 13th January 11, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by dutchy kilted

I think some Germans might argue that Lederhosen IS formal attire.

They are, but only when accompanied by Polka music and lots of beer.

int:

**Tartan Tess** · 13th January 11, 06:32 PM

I have worked for the schools in different states as a bus driver for 31 years.
In my humble opinion, if you want something be a squeeky wheel. They do not like to have to deal with "PARENTS" even though you would think they would be used to it by now.
Be a pain in the *** and you will get what you want. I guarantee it!

**Nighthawk** · 13th January 11, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Tess

I have worked for the schools in different states as a bus driver for 31 years.
In my humble opinion, if you want something be a squeeky wheel. They do not like to have to deal with "PARENTS" even though you would think they would be used to it by now.
Be a pain in the *** and you will get what you want. I guarantee it!

Both of my parents are teachers. This is exactly why I initially suggested that Mark's Mom personally go talk to the teachers, instead of Mark going in by himself.