I was riding a high from yesterday in support of the Dallas Pride Parade and my son taking the last (and huge) step in claiming his sexuality and no longer feeling like he doesn't need to be open to anyone and everyone about who he is.
And today he wore a Human Rights Campaign shirt that we got at Pride yesterday to his school. At 8:35am I got a call from him saying he was being made to either change his shirt or wear it inside out. He hung up to get to his next class on time, so I didn't have time to find out what person on staff to yell at, but when I get him after school today I'll find out exactly who to direct my wrath towards.
What shirt did he have on? Was it the one for Astroglide or Ball-Gags-A-Go-Go? HARDLY.
And if this is in violation of the school's dress code, which is this: Clothing, including tee shirts, which displays, sex, violence, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, death, gang or hate slogans or pictures are prohibited, then I fail to see how it's in violation.
Oh, I'm sure it's because it "displays, sex [sic]." Which, if that's the case, then so does this:
And jewelry/accessories would also fall under clothing, which means this is also in violation:
Because a shirt that promotes equality for marriage (which is what the shirt my son wore represents) means that marriage as a concept promotes/displays sex.
Which means anything about marriage period is in violation. I mean, I know that when I think about someone being married (which I can't help when I see two people wearing wedding rings) all I have in mind is all of the sweaty contortions they get up to in the bedroom.
I am not in the mood for this level of stupid, I just really am not.
And I'm really proud of my son. And really angry with his school.
And today he wore a Human Rights Campaign shirt that we got at Pride yesterday to his school. At 8:35am I got a call from him saying he was being made to either change his shirt or wear it inside out. He hung up to get to his next class on time, so I didn't have time to find out what person on staff to yell at, but when I get him after school today I'll find out exactly who to direct my wrath towards.
What shirt did he have on? Was it the one for Astroglide or Ball-Gags-A-Go-Go? HARDLY.
And if this is in violation of the school's dress code, which is this: Clothing, including tee shirts, which displays, sex, violence, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, death, gang or hate slogans or pictures are prohibited, then I fail to see how it's in violation.
Oh, I'm sure it's because it "displays, sex [sic]." Which, if that's the case, then so does this:
And jewelry/accessories would also fall under clothing, which means this is also in violation:
Because a shirt that promotes equality for marriage (which is what the shirt my son wore represents) means that marriage as a concept promotes/displays sex.
Which means anything about marriage period is in violation. I mean, I know that when I think about someone being married (which I can't help when I see two people wearing wedding rings) all I have in mind is all of the sweaty contortions they get up to in the bedroom.
I am not in the mood for this level of stupid, I just really am not.
And I'm really proud of my son. And really angry with his school.
- Spock is::
angry
'Oos dis bint, then?
stoney321- Laura Stone
- Hey, Don't Judge Me
Comments
I mean, before I make a reasonable counterpoint and win everyone over and we all cry rainbows. :)
*squishy hugs of gratitude*
Y'know, high schoolers being the very embodiments of self-control and restraint. /sarcasm *cough*MittensRomney*cough*
Congratulations to your son.
I have a feeling it's a particular individual, but I need more info from my son before I come down like a fist on anyone.
And THEN I will come down like a fist. :)
GET RIGHTEOUS ON THEIR ASSES, STONEY!
And then please tell us all about it. :-)
And kudos to your son. Change is in the air, but that's still an extremely brave thing to do, especially in Texas. I applaud his courage and I'm glad that he's comfortable in his own skin.
Now I'm off to check that my ACLU membership is still current.
I'm glad he's comfortable in his own skin, too. I'm just glad he's made a Personal Statement that enabled him to find others like himself - they have been banding together for a few weeks, now, and I'm proud of all of them.
The very word gay means sex? Whatever. Yes I would fight them on this BS. Straight kids flaunt their heterosexuality constantly in school in a zillion ways, subtle and overt.
I'm not turning my cheek to this; it's too ridiculous.
I want to bash the school.
I just called his school counselor (a woman I adore) and let her know what happened to at least start a paper trail, so to speak.
In my opinion, it's certainly a misuse of the school dress code if it means policing content that they feel uncomfortable with. School dress codes have their place but they are doing it all wrong. Go get them!
Your son is an awesome human being for wearing that shirt to school. Here in liberal Europe, I don't think that there would be many boys brave enough to wear that shirt at the school where I'm teaching. (Other schools may be different, but we're not exactly a haven of diversity or very inclusive in that respect.) And German soccer players are so firmly in the closet that the anonymous interview that one of them did caused a huge storm. (Apologies for that very mixed metaphor.) Sure, there would be encouragement from our social worker and teachers at school and even from our politicians :re soccer players, but climate of fear still an issue.
But Texas? I expect that's a whole 'nother ballgame. So, kudos! (edited to acknowledge that I've been showing my Texas prejudice: Still, it doesn't change that it takes a lot of courage to make a statement with that shirt and that clearly, the person who made him change the shirt is WRONG.)
Edited at 2012-09-17 05:49 pm (UTC)
We'll get there eventually, but in the meantime, I'm hyper aware (and have been) of the treatment the fringe gets out here. And have no problem with mouthing off. :)
<3
I would love to come open a can of whup-ass beside you, or failing that sit in the spectator stands and watch you Mama Bear into better thinking. And HUZZAH for your son feeling comfortable enough to wear that shirt in the first place.
(He also wears a small pin on his work shirt that reads "Come out, come out wherever you are." with a rainbow around it. :D)
You've reminded me, like I needed reminding, of why I left Texas (and my parents) at 17 like I'd been shot out of a cannon and also of why I am out, in a low-key but unambiguous way, in my own classroom.
It could move a LOT FASTER if bigoted adults would shut their pie holes. (There are some out teachers at the school, too, and I'm pretty proud of them for standing tall - as they should.)
And also I would love a transcript of how this goes down. Because see icon.
GRRRRR.
Obviously your son has learned his lessons about equality and fairness from his parents, because he's sure not getting them at school. It doesn't seem to me that this shirt has anything 'verboten'.
It's hard enough being different. This isn't going to make it any less difficult for him.
Go you. And go your son!
If I sound stupid or trite..it's not for any reason other than I don't know what to say. I support your son - and anyone else's - right to be who they are.
Edited at 2012-09-17 06:12 pm (UTC)
BUT YEAH. THEIR SCHOOL - NOT SO MUCH.
I am beyond curious as to this administrator's reasoning for why this shirt is "offensive."
He's a good kid. If I can just get him through high school, he'll finally be able to see how great the world is beyond the small-minded tits in his class.