Although I agree in principle with what UC said, with all due respect to what he said, it's my honest opinion that presenting the principal with examples and cases of other principals having to apologize to students is necessarily the best tack. At best it will come across as smart-alecky, and at worst, coercion. No one likes to be bullied into seeing your point of view. As the old saying goes, "A mind changed against its will, is of the same opinion still."

I think you've received ample other excellent advice that you shouldn't have to present an "or else" scenario. I fully support speaking with the principal in person, preferably when he's not swamped with work, in a crappy mood, or otherwise occupied, and when you won't be interrupted. IF it were to be considered alright to do so, (in my HS it would have been), going out for lunch with him (or coffee) might be a good way to do this. Next, other than pointing out the obvious (that you want to honour your family roots and traditions, not be a rebel like those who tried something like this before you), I would also try to include WHY he should let you wear your kilt in a way that benefits HIM. Seriously. People are self-serving and look out for number one. He needs to know what's in it for HIM to let YOU wear your kilt. Think about that angle. One idea that comes to my mind is, that by letting you wear your kilt, HIS school might be seen as progressive and unafraid to allow students to express their culture and ethnicity... (Just a brief example).

As for what UC wrote, I would take that as reference material for your own personal edification, but not as something to wield as a weapon.

Good luck.

Jim



Quote Originally Posted by The Guy in the Kilt at UC View Post
It was mentioned before. Here is a link to the story about the formal apology. This story is about a student who wore a kilt to a school dance. The principal told the student to change into pants, and the superintendent had to write a formal letter of apology to the student in the aftermath.

In this story the school district is forcing the principal to apologize to a student after ordering him to change out of his kilt.

In this one a Bedford, Ohio principal was forced to apologize. (not too far from my hometown).

In 1993, a student in Fayette County, Ga., was not allowed to enter his prom at McIntosh High School because he showed up in a kilt and refused to change clothes.

There is a lot of disfavor against your principal's stance. And depending on the state in which you live, he may not have a choice in the matter. I think it's time you presented him with your argument (not the VP this time) and ask for his decision in writing. I doubt he will be so quick to dismiss you.

I also believe it may do a lot of good for XMTS to draft a letter in support of young Issac, if it can be done without any nasty threats that is. There is a lot of positive support amongst Scots groups, and even congress itself.