Trying to Convince.

[ForresterModern]

If you do get another chance to make a presentation to the principal you should make sure he knows what your outfit will entail, i.e. what you will look like when you show up for the event. If you have everything you need you could get dressed up and have your parents take a series of photos of you from various directions to show the principal. Better yet, if you get an appointment with him to discuss it ask if it is okay for you to wear your outfit to the appointment so he can have first hand opportunity to see just exactly what you are talking about. Take photos of folks from this forum dressed similarly to show that your outfit is indeed standard and traditional highland wear of appropriate scottish heritage attire, and not just some kid in a "joke" or "costume" kilt. A good place to poach some pictures would be the thread by Panache and McMurdo about the 10 different levels of dress with a kilt.

Again, good luck, and keep us posted. Let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do to help.

jeff

[lethearen]

Hey, Isaac, is there a "Scottish Society" in your hometown? Maybe they would be able to assist in one way or another. Perhaps orchestrate a joint fund raiser or some sort, or maybe they could do a "cultural awareness" presentation for the whole school (Tartan Day strikes a chord). The latter could create a good understanding among the other students, as well as the principal himself... and that could help sidestep some of remarks you might otherwise get from your less enlightened brethren.

Getting a Scottish Society involved would also reinforce that you're serious about what this means to you and not just some nut-job who wants to cause a scene.

[SteveB]

Thank you for being very mature with the case thus far. I hope it continues.

Step #1 is to get the parents involved. If the principal sees this as something bigger than just you, he will give the subject more thought as your parents will add much weight to your side in his thought process. The fact that you are requesting an audience with him directly, AND your parents are going to be present at this, a SECOND step, should make him consider that your parents and you might even be willing to take it to step THREE. This might be the Superintendent of Schools, Board (bored) of Education, School Committee, or what ever the food chain is where you live.

Step #2 Prepare well for the meeting and prepare well WITH your parents ahead of time. It will win better if you and your parents are on the same page.

And like others before me if there is anything that you need to make your kilt kit complete post it here with sizes. I am sure that if I have anything that will fit, it is yours post paid.

BTW, I teach elementary children in a Sunday School, while wearing my kilt. Two of the second grade boys wear their kilts on special days.

Slainte

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

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

If I remember, Jim, then you are employed in the education system. So you're opinion is a professional one, while mine is just an opinion. I work in a different environment, so your advice may be better suited to Isaac.

I suppose what I am saying in my last post, is that if I were presented with this sort of information then I would change my mind with no hard feelings.

[McFarkus]

Just remember, you have a whole community of people behind you here on Xmarks.