A small problem...

[Nanook]

. A new hobby some of my peers have taken up is to try and pull it off as I am walking down the hallway.

Simple. Go to the local constable, sheriff or whatever title he has and file a complaint (if need be multiple) against those "peers" for
- sexual molestation (yes. trying to remove someone's skirt is a sexual crime)
Pulling or trying to remove someone's clothing is a sexual advance and an opening to a violation just short of rape.

They will have not other choice but to investigate the matter. That's can't just "blow you off". At the least they will be forced to go after harassment.

If the school try to fire you then you have good chances for a large sized civil suit for sexual harassment and discrimination in the work place. $$$

http://www.eeoc.gov/types/sexual_harassment.html

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Play the cards slowly... nothing to rush about..

[The Wizard of BC]

Would you please post a photo of yourself in your normal school attire.

This would help us with our answers.

[Nanook]

Would you please post a photo of yourself in your normal school attire.

With respect to sexual harassment it does not matter if he looked like a transvestite sumo-wrestler squeezed into Britney Spears' mini-skirt. Unless you are living in some place like Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, Tehran, or Gaza City, even the "indecently exposed" or tasteless are not open game to molestation. The school board or township can install uniform standards that may include punishments for violation (including summary action such as suspension) but cannot accept, tolerate or in any way condone acts of sexual harassment in the workplace. Pulling at someones clothing with the willing intent to expose or remove is sexual molestation just as grabbing a woman by her breasts or .... There is nothing peculiar to woman or men in this matter. The civil rights acts are quite clear on this.

[sorcererdale]

You haven't said what grade you are in or if you wear something under the kilt. One way to turn the talk back to them, is to do this, if you are comfortable in doing it. When the guys try to grab your kilt and pull it off, you could loudly say, and it works best if there are other people around, "Look everyone, ______ (say his name here), wants what's under my kilt!" If he is not gay, then it will embarrass him and his friends will then laugh at him. But you need to know before just saying this.

Otherwise I think, as the others have said, since the school administrators aren't helping either, that a threat of a sexual harassment law suit will make them understand.

There was another student here who wasn't allowed to wear a kilt to school and was going to present to the school board about kilts. What ever happened there?

DALE from the UP of MI. But not in school any more.

[katmills2005]

Not sure how old you are or what grade you are in, however I can offer a bit of my own wisdom.

Fist- decide how far you are willing to go to wear your kilt. If its not worth going to the trouble and enduring possibly more harassment, then don't wear the kilt to school. If it is worth it to you and you do feel strongly that this is an injustice that should be challenged, then go for it... But go all the way with it.

Second- choosing to go ahead and make right whats been done should start with education. Sit down with the Administration, explain to them why you choose to wear a kilt. Take with you information to back up the tradition, history and honor of the kilt. Perhaps suggest a cultural festival at the school so others, not just you, can show their heritage and own cultural backgrounds.

Third- If all else fails, call in a lawyer. I doubt you would have much trouble finding one willing to take on the case. Keep the Documentation of everything as suggested above and be sure to keep your cool. You don't want this to backfire.

[sirdaniel1975]

Rocky's ideas are very good. In addition to his, I suggest joining your clan, family, or the district society. These groups have come to the rescue of kilted students and teachers in the past. They handle professional argumentive letters, phone calls, and petitions.

To argue your cause:
1. Make sure you always look your best while kilted.
2. Never give any extra reason(s) for abuse.
3. Don't make eye contact with your abusers. (this is called street smarts)
4. Schedule a free legal consultation. They will often make one or two free phone calls on your behalf. This will usually put the fear of GOD in people.
5. As stated above, join your clan/family/district society.
6. Go from class to class with your friends, not alone.


Remember, probably 30-50% of the folks insulting you are probably of Scottish ancestory themselves. If they are of Highland heritage, they are mocking their own ancestors and family. (peace of mind)

[Tartan Hiker]

And as Rocky said, if the local administration is actually participating in the ridicule, the school district office needs to be involved.

[elitekiltedcommando]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm gonna try and ignore any comments from students. I like my kilt, and if they don't well then too bad. The comments from staff and such come from only two teachers, who I rarely see anymore as it is. As for the kid who keeps trying to rip it off, Im gonna use sorcererdale's idea and just turn it back on him. As for a few of the questions, Im 16 (A junior). And originally I had to wear underwear as well as gym shorts underneath the kilt. But I argued with the vice-prinicpal saying that it was descrimination for me to have to wear gym shorts under a kilt which meets all code requirements, when girls can wear skirts only half as long, without shorts. And when I go to school wearing it, (once a week) I wear one of my nicer shirts and my boots.

Ahhh... Those who are kilted are usually the wisest...

[Richland]

This is tough.
1) School is the most important thing you will do in to prepare you for your life ahead.
This kilt thing may be to much of a distraction right now.
Pants may be your best bet until you go off to College.
There are many college aged members on this site who will tell you about kilted at that level.
OR: when you are not in school or studying; go to the gym and the martial arts studio. then a little intimidation goes a long way.
When students try to lift your kilt or pull it off, loudly say: Who is the Queer now, trying to take a boys clothes off?"

[JimB]

Message deleted. This makes me too mad to give good advice.