Problems in Ohio

[RockyR]

I'm with Bear on this (from his post at the beginning of this string)...

ALERT THE MEDIA... Get Bagpipers to come to School Counsil Meetings...

I can contact my customers in Ohio to see if they're willing to help. I'm sure Bear has a few customers in the area too. If the kilts were Sportkilts, I'm sure they'd be all for helping out. We need to raise awareness of this issue. If the boys need more kilts to wear to Schoolboard meetings, LET ME KNOW. I'll hook them up.

One thing to be careful of when approaching this... make sure it's not a game of "well the girls are allowed to wear skirts, so why can't we." You can't base an argument on "they can do it so why can't we". In my opinion, you should go at it from the cultural aspect and the "infringing on our rights" aspect. It then becomes a "constitutional" issue rather than a "Men in Skirts" issue.

Also, I agree with Bear again (he must be smart or something)... GIVE US THE EMAIL for the Schools' administrators and we'll launch an email campaign. Let us off of our leashes and we'll join you.

Can we hold a benifit for the boys (if they need legal representation)? I am in touch with 6 or 7 Irish Rock bands in Philly who would be down for such an event.

Let me know if there's anything I can do. Talking about an issue on a message board to likeminded individuals is one thing, but ACTING on those issues and ideals is quite another. Let's go with this!

There are a lot of GREAT ideas and points made on this string, Tobie. Since you were the one to find the problem, bring it to our attention and ask our advice, you may be the best one to champion this cause. You have a LOT of people/resources here (probably more than you know) who would love to help in a LOT of different ways. Formulate a plan and we'll help you achieve it!

[Alaskan Celt]

[Raphael]

I am just using the words in the qoute to point out how the authorities like people to follow their leads regardless on how some people may have opposing views.

I agree that dress codes are needed in school to promote sense of belonging and create a safe enviornment. But, I think the controversial had a lot to do with people think kilts are costumes and are not daily wear.

[Colin]

I caught your drift there bcmtnbka.

[Graham]

Rocky, as you say, more info would be good, Tobie - you're a bit quiet on this one, don't be embarrassed if this doesn't pan out like you thought, we won't be the one's throwing eggs.

I'm with Casey's caution (hereafter referred to as "Casey the Cautious") and with Rocky (and Bear's) actions if this is a genuine case to answer.

[Alaskan Celt]

[Plastic Paddy]

I am still contacting the kids in question.

I realize that there are people I have to speak with before I speak to anyone in the administration and as of yet I haven't spoken to anyone, so no news yet.

I am a police officer, and realize that all corners must be covered before I charge in and make a point. I will not defend idiots wearing women’s clothing, wearing a kilt to school and acting the maggot, nor will I stand by while a man is sent home for wearing a kilt. No matter what got the lads into kilts, it is a male garment, not covered in the dress code and they were well within there right to wear it. I do not care what their motivation was really, because I haven't narrowed down as to my motivation for wearing one yet.

On a day to day basis, I get dressed to defend people who either can't or won't defend themselves. As I am in the military, I have been called to do so twice, and this is a time where I think that a school administration has said to all who attend that kilts are not acceptable men’s clothing and more to the point, that the rules are not to be applied uniformly. There is a rule of law and no one is above it. I believe that these kids, even on a level they can't understand, have been told "The rules apply when I say so."

I make it a point to obey the law, and be a moral voice to other police officers and citizens that says, "We uphold and are judged under the law, and therefore, you must always follow the law and apply it equally and fairly.”

I wouldn’t let it happen to anyone on this board and I won’t let it occur less than two miles from my home.

But, again, while I am a bit fired up, I still have to speak to the lads involved. But if there are three factors present, I will address the school…. First, were they kilts? If so, I drive on. Second, were the lads respectful in there behavior? If so, I drive on. Third, were they sent home for the kilts alone? If so, I drive on.

So my investigation continues, and I will update everyone with the details.

Thanks again for the advice,

Slainte,

Tobie

[Plastic Paddy]

P.S. I won't issue any e-mail addresses and give you lads the marching order without all the information to my satisfaction...

Stand by for further....

Slainte,

Tobie

[Alaskan Celt]

[GMan]

Tobie,

Being on officer of the law and knowing how to collect the facts is definetly a plus in this matter. If you do go before the school board it will definetly be an asset for kiltdom especially in Ohio.

It sounds as if you are doing the correct thing in gathering information. Don't give up, the entire forum is behind you. I keep refering back to Bear's comment about kilts being garments, because they definetly are not costumes!

Keep the faith!

Glen