Support for Nathan Warmack's Right to Wear his Kilt
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THE CASH-BOOK JOURNAL
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Letter to the Editor
We, the following, are proud members of Clan Gunn, of North America and Scotland. We were absolutely stunned and appalled to hear about Mr. McClard's decision as Principal of Jackson High School to require Nathan Warmack, a student at the school, to change clothes or be evicted from the Silver Arrow dance because he was wearing a kilt.
We could better understand his decision had he worn it to attend class, but a school DANCE? We could even understand his decision had he been wearing a tee shirt touting drugs, alcohol, smoking, hate propaganda, or porn OR if he had been exposing himself in some lewd manner. ...But because it was a "distraction" at a school dance? From what? From the intense concentration it takes to dance?
These politically correct times in which we live require us to
accept many "alternative" attitudes. They are shoved down our
throats daily. We have to accept Ebonics, gender-sensitive language
and behavior, alternative lifestyles, and reverse discrimination to
name just a few. We are EXPECTED to show tolerance for everyone who
chooses "break the mold." We would lay odds that Mr. McClard has dealt with
just such issues many times as a principal of a high school.
Yet, Mr. McClard finds it inappropriate for a young man to show pride in his
Scottish heritage by wearing a kilt? Mr. McClard insults his heritage by
insinuating that he looked like a clown?
How could an educated person, who is in charge of educating our youth, not see the amazing educational opportunity provided by that
young man? Nathan's pride in his familial heritage COULD have opened the
doors to discussions regarding other children's heritages,
geography, and cultural traditions. It COULD have been a very
positive situation had Mr. McClard shown the insight to turn it into a
learning moment rather than a media event.
How could a person who works with kids on a daily basis not see the
importance of self-esteem and the courage it takes young people to
show pride in their families' heritages? We cannot fathom Mr. McClard's decision, and it angers us that while we are barraged by PC expectations from every possible single-issue group out there, that he would choose to diminish the Scottish tradition of the kilt in such a really unnecessary context; a school dance.
There is something to be said for choosing one's battles wisely.
This is not an example of a wise choice in that regard. Making an
issue out of this particular situation shows incredible short-
sightedness on Mr. McClard's part as an educator on so many levels.
We truly hope Mr. McClard finds the courage to apologize to Nathan Warmack. He deserves an apology.
We, the following, are proud members of Clan Gunn, of North America and Scotland. We were absolutely stunned and appalled to hear about Mr. McClard's decision as Principal of Jackson High School to require Nathan Warmack, a student at the school, to change clothes or be evicted from the Silver Arrow dance because he was wearing a kilt.
We could better understand his decision had he worn it to attend class, but a school DANCE? We could even understand his decision had he been wearing a tee shirt touting drugs, alcohol, smoking, hate propaganda, or porn OR if he had been exposing himself in some lewd manner. ...But because it was a "distraction" at a school dance? From what? From the intense concentration it takes to dance?
These politically correct times in which we live require us to
accept many "alternative" attitudes. They are shoved down our
throats daily. We have to accept Ebonics, gender-sensitive language
and behavior, alternative lifestyles, and reverse discrimination to
name just a few. We are EXPECTED to show tolerance for everyone who
chooses "break the mold." We would lay odds that Mr. McClard has dealt with
just such issues many times as a principal of a high school.
Yet, Mr. McClard finds it inappropriate for a young man to show pride in his
Scottish heritage by wearing a kilt? Mr. McClard insults his heritage by
insinuating that he looked like a clown?
How could an educated person, who is in charge of educating our youth, not see the amazing educational opportunity provided by that
young man? Nathan's pride in his familial heritage COULD have opened the
doors to discussions regarding other children's heritages,
geography, and cultural traditions. It COULD have been a very
positive situation had Mr. McClard shown the insight to turn it into a
learning moment rather than a media event.
How could a person who works with kids on a daily basis not see the
importance of self-esteem and the courage it takes young people to
show pride in their families' heritages? We cannot fathom Mr. McClard's decision, and it angers us that while we are barraged by PC expectations from every possible single-issue group out there, that he would choose to diminish the Scottish tradition of the kilt in such a really unnecessary context; a school dance.
There is something to be said for choosing one's battles wisely.
This is not an example of a wise choice in that regard. Making an
issue out of this particular situation shows incredible short-
sightedness on Mr. McClard's part as an educator on so many levels.
We truly hope Mr. McClard finds the courage to apologize to Nathan Warmack. He deserves an apology.
11944 Signatures
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Thomas E. Watson FSA S
- Comments
- It is obvious that Principal McClard has forgotten his roots, or why it is important to be proud of his heritage,both Scottish and American.The Founding Fathers of this country would be filled with shame to hear of a citizen of these Untied States not being allowed to express pride in the those he holds dear through the wearing of the kilt. The kilt and outfittings that goes with it ( short of the Dirk or Sghian Dhu which would be deemed inappropriate at a dance) are not hurting anyone and I am sure the young man has no intention of doing so. Let him wear it!
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Kevin W. B
- Comments
- As a law enforcement Lieutenant, I have attended a great deal of training in cultural diversity, various forms of harassment and community oriented policing, that my officers' and I are as public servants are required to follow. Having come to dicover my own Scottish heritage in recent years, I have found out that the wearing of a kilt is an important part of Scottish culture. If Nathan Warmack's kilt was worn properly and in good taste, it was therefore his statement of his Scottish cultural identity. If the principal's school is anything like those that I am familiar with here in California, I would have to raise the question, are similar restrictions in place for Muslims, Hispanics, Sikh's, Hindu's and other cultures in wearing attire that expresses their cultural idenity? If the policy on unique cultural fashion is not clear and unevenly enforced, then the principle and the school district are being duplicitous. All expressions of our culture need to treated with dignity and respect.
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Paul B. B
- Comments
- give the lad some respect, let him wear his kilt
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June A. Thompson, Regional C
- Comments
- Clan Donald USA Regional Officer
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M.L. Howard, San Bruno, C
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- I have written a mesage to Mr. McLard, to which I have not received a reply. My message is posted at: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14192&page=3&pp=10
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Joseph P. M
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Kenneth U. C
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- A respect for cultural heritage should be a given from an educated principal. What a crude decision.
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Ian C
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Jay L
- Comments
- Americans of Scottish descent deserve respect for their heritage, whether or not European ancestry/traditions/cultures are politically incorrect.
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David S
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- A man could not be better dressed than to wear a kilt in tribute to his cultural heritage.
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Jeff Janssen (Clan M
- Comments
- В
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Jesse W
- Comments
- В
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Kathleen O'Brien B
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- An apology is a good start. I think Kilt Day at school and a Hogmanay or alternatively Burn's Feast celebration in the cafeteria in January would be even better. Let's paint the principal blue and roll him down a hill - he can be our own personal clavie at Hogmanay! I have seen kilts worn to the Marine Corps Ball, and kilts *are* accepted formal attire in many other upscale social settings.
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Kathleen O'Brien B
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- An apology is a good start. I think Kilt Day at school and a Hogmanay or alternatively Burn's Feast celebration in the cafeteria in January would be even better. Let's paint the principal blue and roll him down a hill - he can be our own personal clavie at Hogmanay! I have seen kilts worn to the Marine Corps Ball, and kilts *are* accepted formal attire in many other upscale social settings.
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Cheryl A. L
- Comments
- First of all I would like to say I am not Scottish, but I do believe Nathan should have the right to wear his Kilt.
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Charlene M
- Comments
- Owner Highland Moon Scottish store. Mr. McClard's last name indicates he could align himself to Clan MacDonald, but I'm not so sure they would want him, after his assinine remarks. The kilt is most appropriate for a school dance as for any formal event. If a man can be knighted in it, it is certainly appropriate to wear to a lesser event. I have posted this petition & Mr. McClard's email address on two UK scrapbook boards. These ladies will give him HELL!
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Alejandro Kokkнnis C
- Comments
- If you don't respect your own heritage, you are dead: has no roots, no honour.
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Fr. John A. P
- Comments
- Orthodox Christian clergyman
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Liam M
- Comments
- I am amazed that in this day and age a school administrator would be so narrow minded as to refuse a student the right to dress in a manner reflecting his personal heritage and cultural pride. Would the principal have dared to question a African/American student for wearing a garment of Kente cloth, an Indian/American student for wearing a sari or a Vietnamese/American student for wearing an Ao Dia? I seriously doubt that he would because to do so would have shown him to be a ignorant bigot. Perhaps this gentleman would care to explain why it is OK to discriminate against a Scottish/American?
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Tasha G. F
- Comments
- Clan Fergusson Society of North America
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Todd W
- Comments
- Kilted Scottish-American in SW Missouri
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Jimmy L. R
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Sabrena M
- Comments
- Agree totally with Charlene #98.
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Robin L
- Comments
- A guy from the Netherlands
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JAMIE M
- Comments
- Clan Graham seconds the voice of Clan Gunn!
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Andy K
- Comments
- The Kilt is back as it never left. It has been as it was for a thousand of years. The Celts have worn the Kilt with pride. We have died on the field for freedom in the Kilt.Your ancesters weep Mr. McClard.
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Andrew R
- Comments
- Everyone has the right to wear their national dress without the predjudice of others
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John D. G
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- It's the right thing to do.
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Violet Rose M
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H L E
- Comments
- Clan Morgan
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Morgan L E
- Comments
- Clan Morgan
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Tina E
- Comments
- Morray
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Sarah Ann J
- Comments
- If dress was formal, and the kilt was worn with a dress shirt, correct socks etc then there is no problem. One is allowed to wear headdress if it religious, sikhs can wear turbans, so why can a person not wear a kilt.
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Janet K
- Comments
- kilts are and were a way of life in scotland!
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Michael B
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- It's a matter of heritage and culture, not a distraction
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Bobby H
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- It's not like it's a fashion statement, it's heritage and culture.
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David S
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- this is bloody ridiculous, the kilt has a long and honorable history as a respectable male garment, "Real men wear Kilts"
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David S
- Comments
- this is bloody ridiculous, the kilt has a long and honorable history as a respectable male garment, "Real men wear Kilts"
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Glenn
- Comments
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Stan W
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- I am sure that Mr McClard did not see the kilt as a heritage issue. More than likely, all he saw was "a skirt" and therefor,assumed that Master Warmack was pulling some kind of stunt. Although it would not surprise me if that was his intention, I also have to agree that Master Warmack's rights have been violated and an apology is due. Especially if the kilt was worn as part of a fulldress outfit with tartan colors and all. Would the principal made a Hispanic american student change if that student had shown up waring a fulldress Toreador outfit or any other race for waring a famed outfit from their heritage, probably not. Stan Watson, A proud member of the Watson (Buchanan) Clan.
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Heather Kilfara (nйe R
- Comments
- As a Scot living in Scotland I'm disappointed to read that an American student was banned from wearing his kilt to a High School dance.
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Mandy C
- Comments
- as a citizen of Great Britain, I am appalled that Nathan has been treated in this way. Those of Scottish and Irish heritage should be proud to wear kilts, not made to feel ashamed!
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Angie M
- Comments
- I believe that they should let him wear it!!!!!!
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Kirsty W
- Comments
- respect traditions! Ive just sepnt the weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland and its no suprise to see young men walking the town in kilts. I find them quite acceptable. Get with the times
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Claire Paylor (from the United K
- Comments
- We British pride ourselves on our national heritage and we have Irish, Welsh and Scots tartans. People marry in these traditional kilts, wear them for formal occasions, to sporting occasions (eg international soccer and rugby matches) and on an every day basis. I for one, thought Americans were very fond of their British heritage and our traditions and do hope that common-sense will prevail here and that the right to wear a kilt will be acknowledged.
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Helen F
- Comments
- Ridiculous and offensive comments by the Principal! I can think of far distracting and worse items of clothing be worn by patrons!
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David McKelvie Rosser O
- Comments
- I am not a member of Clan Gunn, but a MacDonald and a member of the Clan Donald Society of Edinburgh. I think Mr Warmack should be allowed to wear the kilt whenever he feels like it, and certainly to school dances.
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David McKelvie Rosser O
- Comments
- I am not a member of Clan Gunn, but a MacDonald and a member of the Clan Donald Society of Edinburgh. I think Mr Warmack should be allowed to wear the kilt whenever he feels like it, and certainly to school dances.
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Lynne S
- Comments
- I am very proud to be scottish and find it truly insulting that this man was not allowed to wear his kilt, especially when most americans come to scotland the first thing they try to find is THEIR tartan
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Mark C. P
- Comments
- Kilt wearing is an honorable tradition.
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11944
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