What's with these uneducated educators?

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

And mine (too bad I can't mention the company by name, but I would need to get some approval for that!):

Dear Mr. McClard,

I am writing to express my disappointment at your decision to prohibit young Mr. Warmack from wearing his kilt to the "Silver Arrow" dance. The kilt is a very traditional garment with a long history of acceptance and is well respected worldwide, as well as being worn in many different parts of the world. To refuse to allow the wearing of a kilt because YOU think it is a distraction is small minded and shows both a lack of knowledge about the kilt and a lack of tolerance for the young man's heritage. Given your own surname, I would have expected at least a pause for thought on your part. If I can wear a kilt as my daily wear as a senior manager in a global financial institution and not have it be a distraction even when dealing with clients, then I would think that the youth at your school would find it little problem. I urge you to reconsider your position.

The school board has given you very broad powers in determining what is appropriate for a student to wear. Unfortunately, in this case you have caused the very thing you were trying to prevent, namely a distraction to the school and student body. You would have provided a better role model for the students by accepting the wearing of the kilt with the respect that young Mr. Warmack was showing his heritage by wearing it.

If you would like to learn more about the kilt, and the wearing of it, I encourage you to contact your local St. Andrews society, local pipe and drum band, or visit http://www.xmarksthescot.com, a website devoted to the tradition and wearing of the kilt.

Sincerely,
Rob Irons

[Robin]

Mine...

Dear Sir,

Kilts are worn by proud men who respect and value ancient roots and history.

The kilt and those who wear it earn respect.

Thank you for reading.

[Ugly Bear]

I can't help but feel that there's something missing from the story. Was this an actual kilt -- not just some plaid flannel fabric stitched together? There isn't a word on what he was wearing WITH the kilt. It might've been inappropriate or distasteful. Until I know for sure just how the young man was dressed, I'm holding my tongue. Is there an actual picture anywhere showing how he was dressed?

Even if he was dressed appropriately, I'm inclined to cut his principal some slack. As a public servant, he's not allowed to use his judgement in any way. He's got a few complaints because he barred the guy from a dance. Chances are he'd have more complaints from scandalized parents if he'd let him in. There's just no way to win.

That doesn't mean that the principal's right, though. It's just that the issue isn't his education, nor his intelligence.

Meanwhile, the Warmack family tells me they're planning on going to the school board to change the school policy and they hope Nathan can wear a kilt to the next big dance - his senior prom.

This sounds sensible. Better to set a precedent at some random school dance before the Real Deal. Once the board gets used to the idea of a kilt, there'd be no way they could say "no" to a guy in a kilt with Prince Charlie jacket. (No way his date could say "no" to him either, I'm guessing.)

[Sherry]

As younger people than I would say, "You guys rock!"

I would just love to see the principal's reactions to the sheer number of letters & emails, especially the ones from beyond U.S. borders. He probably can't believe that the story has gone international!

News reports can drive you nuts with what they leave out. But it seems to me that the lad was appropriately dressed.

Going to the school board to work out an amiacable solution is a good first step. It sets an example of adults at least trying to work out their differences without going to Defcon 1 right off the bat. Besides, as a home schooler, I'm aware that very often just the threat of legal action will often bring the involved officials to their senses without actually having to go to the expense & hassle of going to court.

Keep kilting, gents. You're doing a great job.

Sherry

[AckZel]

Now he got mail from Finland too... Starting to get the "Conan O-Brien syndrome?"

[GMan]

Just curious, with all of us sending the poor chap e-mails, has anyone contacted the media to see what he is going to do?

Not being one who likes to pressure people, but sometimes it just has to be done!

[Archangel]

I can't help but feel that there's something missing from the story. Was this an actual kilt -- not just some plaid flannel fabric stitched together? There isn't a word on what he was wearing WITH the kilt. It might've been inappropriate or distasteful.

Yeah, I thought of that too, and looked for a picture, no luck. I left the principal that "out" in my email. However, the father, in the article, said that Nathan had researched and bought the family tartan so it looked like everything was traditional and within reason.

[bubba]

Can you imagine Nathans reaction when he finds out about all the supporting emails hitting the school?

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Can you imagine Nathans reaction when he finds out about all the supporting emails hitting the school?

Which brings up a good point, anybody know of a way to get Nathan's email address so that we can show our support directly, or at least let him know about this board?

[RockyR]

Which brings up a good point, anybody know of a way to get Nathan's email address so that we can show our support directly, or at least let him know about this board?

I haven't found his email, but a simple search of the whitepages.com shows 1 Warmack in the area of Jackson, MO.

Carla Warmack
701 North St
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701-5501
(573) 339-9259