No Kilts Allowed

I realize that schools must have their dress codes. Our Middle School's policy is long, in fact, and listed specifically in the students' planners. Some of the guidelines include: no hats during the school day, no underwear showing, clothing that refers to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc. will not be allowed and the basic rule that students "shall maintain a neat, clean appearance." The school has the right to "restrict any student from attending classes or school activities when such dress, general appearance or conduct creates a safety, health or discipline concern."

What? No mention of kilts in the policy? Of course not, you may think. That would be silly to include that in any school's dress code. And I couldn't agree more.

That's why a recent news story interested me so much. A high-schooler in Jackson, MO wore his clan's kilt to his November high school dance. The principal asked him to remove it, a proud display of his family's heritage and ethnicity, and wear pants instead. Would the same principal ask a student to remove her Japanese kimono, her Indian saree or his/her Mexican sombrero? I sincerely doubt it. So, why was the Scots-Irish teen asked to change his clothes?

I know I'm probably biased. My husband wore a kilt on our first date, as did I, and proudly dons it each St. Patrick's Day as well. My family includes kilted bagpipers at every wedding and most funerals. In addition, my dad was born in Scotland, and I grew up knowing the significance and family meaning behind each particular plaid. To me, a man wearing a kilt is completely acceptable (and pretty darn cute, too!)

So, why, I wonder again, was the student in Jackson asked to remove his kilt? Sometimes I just don't understand what people (the principal, in this case) are thinking when they do something as ignorant, insensitive and unfair as this.