Sent tonight...
To: rmcclard@jackson.k12.mo.us

Principal McClard,
I was very disappointed to hear of the confrontation revolving around the wearing of a proper Scottish kilt by Master Warmack at your recent Silver Arrow dance event. I understand that this was not a “heritage” event, but there is no reason a young man should not be allowed to wear a kilt for any occasion, including everyday campus attire.

The kilt is a potent symbol of Scottish and Celtic ethnic pride and is regularly worn at weddings as well as funerals and other formal functions associated with military, police and civilian associations. The kilt should never be considered deviant attire and to do so shows not only a lack of understanding, but rejects the principles our country was founded upon. As you are aware, part of being an American is accepting those elements of all our cultures that do not interfere with the safety and enjoyment of others.

If you feel the wearing of a kilt would have been disruptive, the problem is not with the kilt, but with those that would create a disruption if one were to be worn responsibly. Flatly rejecting the kilt is not only an obviously indolent method of dealing with a perceived discipline problem, but it shows a serious lack of faith in your students and your ability to manage them effectively. Infringing upon the rights of one student out of fear that others might act inappropriately is just plain wrong.

If the female participants at your event were allowed to wear skirts or dresses, there is absolutely no reason a male participant should have been prohibited from wearing a traditional tartan or modern/casual kilt. Would you have prohibited an African boy from wearing a dashiki or a Japanese boy from wearing a formal kimono? The fact is, a kilt has been considered appropriate formal attire for men for centuries and to dismiss it like you did completely betrays your function as an educator.