Should a student be able to wear a shirt that says....

[LisaC]

A gay student in Warren County is suing to be able to wear a T-shirt that says "Jesus is not a Homophobe" to school.

http://news.yahoo.com/video/cincinnatiwlwt-18191085/student-sues-to-wear-jesus-is-not-a-homophobe-shirt-28823305.html#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fcincinnatiwlwt-18191085%252Fstudent-sues-to-wear-jesus-is-not-a-homophobe-shirt-28823305.html

The shirt speaks the truth - Jesus isn't a homophobe, He loves us all. But, should the boy be allowed to wear it? The story doesn't say if the school allows kids to wear shirts of any religious nature, but if the kids are, is this a violation of the kid's rights? What's your reaction?

 

[Guard Dad]

I have long had a strong opinion about school dress code.

If I was king of school, I would outlaw any pictures or wording on clothes other than brand or logo, or school school specific terminology. I would have specific rules concerning how much skin is shown, dress length, saggers would be a no-no, etc.

But to answer your question...No, I would not allow it. The shirt references sexuality and there's too much of that in schools without advertising it on a shirt.

Remember, these are minor children. They don't have the right to wear whatever they want, and school is not the place to be fighting sexuality battles. Hetero kids shouldn't be doing it either. And this kid's parents, if they are even around, should have the sense to deal with this so the school system doesn't have to.

 

[MrsB]

I didn't read the article, but when I was in school people wore religious shirts all the time. And it was when th WWJD bracelets were popular and everyone wore them. I do not see this as a big deal.

That said, I may change my mind when I have time to read it.

 

[Guard Dad]

I didn't read the article, but when I was in school people wore religious shirts all the time. And it was when th WWJD bracelets were popular and everyone wore them. I do not see this as a big deal.

That said, I may change my mind when I have time to read it.

But it's not about religion, it's about sexuality.

 

[uga1]

backingoutofthisthreadslowly and running

 

[Guard Dad]

And BTW...the term "homophobe" is a misapplication anyway. Phobia means fear of, so the term "homophobe" implies a fear of homosexuals or homosexuality. However, that is not how the term is used. It is most commonly applied to indicate a hatred of or disagreement with homosexuals, not a fear of.

 

[ShoeDiva]

I didn't read the article, but when I was in school people wore religious shirts all the time. And it was when th WWJD bracelets were popular and everyone wore them. I do not see this as a big deal.

That said, I may change my mind when I have time to read it.

But it's not about religion, it's about sexuality.

I believe by the use of the name Jesus it also becomes about religion. It is specifically calling out those that believe in Jesus to not be homophobic because he is not. And there you have the sexuality.
Since the student wants to only wear it on the day of silence (which has been happening for the last few years in the high schools) where many kids wear t shirts that have sayings regarding bullying and acceptance I would allow it. If that shirt makes one bully stop and think, it might just save a life.

 

[LisaC]

Okay, I'm doing some more digging into this lawsuit. Bear with me as I gather more info. It's a federal suit so I'm trying to see if the pleadings are available. In the meantime, here's another article about it - this article goes a little deeper and says that when the boy wore the shirt to school last year, he was told to take it off or face suspension. He filed a lawsuit because he wants to wear it this year. Also, he was the only kid in his school to participate in the day of silence.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/state/jesus-is-not-a-homophobe-t-shirt-ban-lands-ohio-school-district-in-federal-court

 

[newsjunky]

The school has a right and an obligation to ban any type of dress that causes a distraction to the education process. Do I think this could? Yes.

 

[LisaC]

Here is an excerpt from Complaint filed by the Couch's in the district court - this is the school district's position on the t-shirt (in response to a letter sent by Couch to the school asking for an official position on the situation):

"It is the position of Wayne Local School District Board of Education that the
message communicated by the student’s T-shirt was sexual in nature and
therefore indecent and inappropriate in a school setting. Wayne Local School
District Board of Education had the right to limit clothing with sexual slogans,
especially in light what was then a highly charged atmosphere, in order to protect
its students and enhance the educational environment. Consequently, the high
school principal was well within the bounds of his authority to request that the
student remove his T-shirt and refrain from wearing the T-shirt in the future."

There was an informal telephone status conference scheduled by the Judge with all parties in the matter at 10:00 a.m. this morning to discuss the Motion for Temporary Restraining Order. No minute orders or other entries have been entered regarding the conference so he may have simply set up a briefing schedule for the parties and will follow up with a more formal hearing in the near future.

 

[ShoeDiva]

Okay, I'm doing some more digging into this lawsuit. Bear with me as I gather more info. It's a federal suit so I'm trying to see if the pleadings are available. In the meantime, here's another article about it - this article goes a little deeper and says that when the boy wore the shirt to school last year, he was told to take it off or face suspension. He filed a lawsuit because he wants to wear it this year. Also, he was the only kid in his school to participate in the day of silence.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/state/jesus-is-not-a-homophobe-t-shirt-ban-lands-ohio-school-district-in-federal-court

Wow. I am surprised he was the only one to participate! I see slogans, shirts, postings, all kinds of stuff from the local teens.


Just for the record, my statement is that I would let him wear it, school always has the final word and as a parent I would respect that. The only reason I would object is if they were allowing others to wear things of similar, but opposite nature, and just banning my child.

 

[LisaC]

This is breaking news folks. Here is what was just posted on the docket:

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Michael R. Barrett: Status Conference held on 4/4/2012; Lisa Meeks and Christopher Clark appeared for Plaintiff; William Deters appeared for Defendant; parties plan to meet and confer regarding a possible resolution; orally finding as moot by the Court is 2 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order that by agreement of the parties the minor in question can wear the Tee Shirt described in the pleadings to school on 4/20/12; a follow up Status Conference is set for 5/2/2012 at 09:30 AM by teleconference before Judge Michael R. Barrett; the parties shall initiate contact with the Court by calling 513-564-7660 five minutes prior to 9:30 am. (ba1) (Entered: 04/04/2012)

He will get to wear his t-shirt. You have to applaud this kid for standing up for his rights.

 

[honeybunny]

Last I heard we still have free speech in this country... 8)

(With the exception of explicit pornography or profanity,
I support the right of a students to express themselves.)

 

[ShoeDiva]

This is breaking news folks. Here is what was just posted on the docket:

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Michael R. Barrett: Status Conference held on 4/4/2012; Lisa Meeks and Christopher Clark appeared for Plaintiff; William Deters appeared for Defendant; parties plan to meet and confer regarding a possible resolution; orally finding as moot by the Court is 2 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order that by agreement of the parties the minor in question can wear the Tee Shirt described in the pleadings to school on 4/20/12; a follow up Status Conference is set for 5/2/2012 at 09:30 AM by teleconference before Judge Michael R. Barrett; the parties shall initiate contact with the Court by calling 513-564-7660 five minutes prior to 9:30 am. (ba1) (Entered: 04/04/2012)

He will get to wear his t-shirt. You have to applaud this kid for standing up for his rights.

:thumbsup

 

[Guard Dad]

Last I heard we still have free speech in this country... 8)

(With the exception of explicit pornography or profanity,
I support the right of a students to express themselves.)

School is not the place for these kind of battles. They are their to be educated and these kinds of things get in the way of that. Schools should have the right to set dress codes and doing so would be in the best interest of education.

Freedom of speech has always had it's limitations. Ex: You have free speech, but that ends when it comes to slandering someone.

And again, these are minor children. They need rules and boundaries.

 

[LisaC]

Last I heard we still have free speech in this country... 8)

(With the exception of explicit pornography or profanity,
I support the right of a students to express themselves.)

School is not the place for these kind of battles. They are their to be educated and these kinds of things get in the way of that. Schools should have the right to set dress codes and doing so would be in the best interest of education.

Freedom of speech has always had it's limitations. Ex: You have free speech, but that ends when it comes to slandering someone.

And again, these are minor children. They need rules and boundaries.

They are children, but they need to learn at early age that it's okay to express themselves within the confines of the law. According to the articles and the Complaint, the principal at the school couldn't seem to give the kid a consistent answer as to why he couldn't wear the shirt.

I like reading articles that challenge me. Honestly, my first reaction was that this was just another kid trying to get attention because he didn't get his way. But, the more I looked into the case, the kid has a valid point and I'm excited to see that he stood up for it. Kids need to know that the law works and that they're rights are protected just as much as ours are.

 

[Guard Dad]

Last I heard we still have free speech in this country... 8)

(With the exception of explicit pornography or profanity,
I support the right of a students to express themselves.)

School is not the place for these kind of battles. They are their to be educated and these kinds of things get in the way of that. Schools should have the right to set dress codes and doing so would be in the best interest of education.

Freedom of speech has always had it's limitations. Ex: You have free speech, but that ends when it comes to slandering someone.

And again, these are minor children. They need rules and boundaries.

They are children, but they need to learn at early age that it's okay to express themselves within the confines of the law. According to the articles and the Complaint, the principal at the school couldn't seem to give the kid a consistent answer as to why he couldn't wear the shirt.

I like reading articles that challenge me. Honestly, my first reaction was that this was just another kid trying to get attention because he didn't get his way. But, the more I looked into the case, the kid has a valid point and I'm excited to see that he stood up for it. Kids need to know that the law works and that they're rights are protected just as much as ours are.

Which is why the schools need to have very strict dress codes that prohibit all clothing with pictures or sayings on them. That's the only way they can be consistent in enforcing the rules.

I am all for self-expression, but it's equally important to learn to respect the rules and to make good judgements in life. A child also needs to learn to respect the rights of others. Silly drama like this in schools interferes with those who want to receive an education in a conducive environment.

This was not a matter of self-expression, it was advancement of an agenda. Doesn't matter if the agenda is pro-gay, pro-hetero, pro or anti anything; the other kids shouldn't have to endure this in school.

 

[LisaC]

Last I heard we still have free speech in this country... 8)

(With the exception of explicit pornography or profanity,
I support the right of a students to express themselves.)

School is not the place for these kind of battles. They are their to be educated and these kinds of things get in the way of that. Schools should have the right to set dress codes and doing so would be in the best interest of education.

Freedom of speech has always had it's limitations. Ex: You have free speech, but that ends when it comes to slandering someone.

And again, these are minor children. They need rules and boundaries.

They are children, but they need to learn at early age that it's okay to express themselves within the confines of the law. According to the articles and the Complaint, the principal at the school couldn't seem to give the kid a consistent answer as to why he couldn't wear the shirt.

I like reading articles that challenge me. Honestly, my first reaction was that this was just another kid trying to get attention because he didn't get his way. But, the more I looked into the case, the kid has a valid point and I'm excited to see that he stood up for it. Kids need to know that the law works and that they're rights are protected just as much as ours are.

Which is why the schools need to have very strict dress codes that prohibit all clothing with pictures or sayings on them. That's the only way they can be consistent in enforcing the rules.

I am all for self-expression, but it's equally important to learn to respect the rules and to make good judgements in life. A child also needs to learn to respect the rights of others. Silly drama like this in schools interferes with those who want to receive an education in a conducive environment.

This was not a matter of self-expression, it was advancement of an agenda. Doesn't matter if the agenda is pro-gay, pro-hetero, pro or anti anything; the other kids shouldn't have to endure this in school.

I'm a big advocate for school uniforms, but that's just not a reality in most public schools. In cases like this, you have to wonder if the principal's own biases might have played a part - that's something we don't know. Were other kids allowed to wear t-shirts with "Jesus loves you" or "Straight Pride" on them? We don't know. But, you do know that I'm still looking to find out....

 

[wsstevenson]

This has nothing to do with sex. Sexuality, maybe. But not sex. Contrary to popular belief gay and sex are not synonymous. This young man is promoting the idea that Jesus wouldn't judge, no matter what. I say let him wear the shirt and face the big boy consequences of doing so.

 

[mei lan]

My strong libertarian streak says let him wear it. Esp. since he's a high schooler. I think a lot more hullabaloo results in people banning things like this than if they'd just allow it to continue.