Posted on 06/16/2005 11:42:33 AM PDT by JZelle
A Waldorf teenager and his family said yesterday that his high school owes him an apology because he was denied his high school diploma when he wore a bolo tie to his recent graduation. Thomas Benya, 17, and his parents, who are of Cherokee descent, said school officials at McDonough High School in Charles County, Md., disrespected him and degraded his family's heritage when they did not give him his diploma because of his bolo. School officials have said the bolo violated the school's graduation dress code. "I would like to be given my diploma by [the principal] in a dignified manner and place in front of my family and friends," Thomas told reporters outside the Charles County Board of Education administration building. The school district is not budging on its stance. "We are trying to keep a reasonably formal ceremony," said Ronald G. Cunningham, associate superintendent of Charles County Public Schools. "I would think the route for the family is to meet with the principal." Rules regarding graduation attire are created and enforced at the discretion of individual school principals, Mr. Cunningham said. Thomas said he has worn a turquoise bracelet, key-chain adornment and other accessories symbolizing his heritage every day and to all school functions for about four years. He wore a bolo -- a string tie held together with a round ornament common in the Southwest -- to a formal school function and during rehearsal the day before graduation. He said his American-Indian heritage is noted in his school records. "They told him to put away his heritage for a day for the sake of conformity," said James Benya, the boy's father. "They consider it's no issue at all, and that hurts."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
I wonder what would have happened had he worn a bow tie instead? I mean, rules are rules, but I don't see anything in particular wrong with a bolo tie.
Shut up.
I actually think it's kind of silly they wouldn't let him wear it. Not like he's trying to go naked or anything. Heck, Ben Nighthorse Campbell....a Republican Senator! wore them all the time.
"Heck, Ben Nighthorse Campbell....a Republican Senator! wore them all the time."
He violated the dress code! He's obviously a RINO!
Tell the kid to get a life. He broke the rules. Bolos are common in the west and can be pretty elaborate and grandiose, but not so common in the east. The school has a dress code. The kid knew and decided to break the rule. Hey kid, live with it.
"...key-chain adornment and other accessories symbolizing his heritage..."
Ah, yes...the ancient and honorable tradition of keychain adornment made famous by the Cherokee people.
They can't apologize because that would be admitting wrong-doing & I'm POSITIVE their lawyers would never allow it.
I seem to remember my official hs diploma was mailed weeks after the ceremony. Has that changed?
What's wrong with Bolo ties? What a tempest in a teapot.
Wouldn't be surprised if this kids tongue was firmly planted in cheek when he asked for this apology. Our kids know that adult society in the U.S. is PC to the point of absurd.
The boy best not join the service... daddy'd be in for a real whine fest.
Sounds like a brat to me. I didn't wear a kilt to my graduation.
Having said that, the boy knew the dress code. He should have petitioned beforehand to have an exception made for the tie. (he may have. I didn't read the whole article)
He should abide by the rules. After all, we are a nation of laws. He'll need to abide by them if he is to be a contributing part of society.
..."They told him to put away his heritage for a day for the sake of conformity," ...
No they didn't. They told him to put away the bolo tie. Stop whining. He still has his heritage.
Did they not have graduation gowns? Hard to even see the shirt collar under them robes.
What if he wanted to wear a turban, as a Sikh would?......or do Sikhs send their kids to public schools?...........
~~~~~~~~~~~
Funny. My dictionary says "disrespect" is a NOUN.
Trying to picture what happened here:
Did the kid walk up on stage and was denied in front of everyone? Or was he told at the ceremony but before he was called in front of the crowd?
Either way, I think this whole idea of denying him is ridiculous. Unless the student is wearing something obnoxious.
The only apology due would be for the quality of education.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.