Posted on 06/20/2002 7:40:06 AM PDT by marshmallow
TAMPA -- A Robinson High student who was not allowed to pose for her senior yearbook picture in a jacket and tie filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday, claiming the school's actions violated her constitutional rights.
Nicole "Nikki" Youngblood, 17, alleges in the suit that the school's dress requirement for yearbook photos is discriminatory. All female students are required to wear a scoop-necked drape and all male students must wear a white shirt, tie and dark jacket.
Youngblood, a lesbian, hasn't worn traditionally female clothes in several years. In spring 2001, when she went to be photographed by the studio under contract with the school, she was told she had to wear the drape or get a note from the school allowing her to wear the shirt and tie.
School officials refused, saying that the compromise could lead to problems, including boys wanting to wear the drape as a gag. They told Nicole she could pay for her own picture and run it in the back of the yearbook in the advertising section, the suit states.
Nicole and her mother, Sonia Youngblood, thought the policy was inappropriate and discriminatory and decided not to pay for their own picture. A formal picture of Nicole does not appear in the yearbook, the suit states.
Nicole graduated early in December "due in large part to the discrimination she experienced with regard to her senior portrait, the attitude of the principal and school administrators handling her complaint and the ongoing harassment from other students directed at her," the suit states.
Among other things, the suit seeks a monetary award and attorney's fees.
I wish I was the judge in this case.
Translation: We will attempt to control your behavior and every aspect of your appearance until the very end.
No wonder so many people can't wait to get out of high school.
You forgot the part "we won't charge you for your free education".
What about her father -- What does he think ?
Not even a penumbra, Counselor?
Dan
(c;
Not so fast. Judging from the school's Web site, they don't wear uniforms to school. It appears they're merely trying to maintain (or restore) some dignity in their yearbook.
Find for me the "Constitutional Right" to be a heterosexual.
Ahh, yes. Good 'ol Bowers. Where the government decided it was its business what two consenting adults did in the privacy of their own home.
I eagerly await the next Supreme Court decision declaring that the missionary position will be the only lawful one.
This seems to be a common thread -- ignore or flaunt existing rules, then sue later saying how unfair things are.
What's all this about a free education?
Because she is a minor we assume she is not a property owner but that may not be the case. Even still, it is very likely her parents pay for her education.
How? Well, they in effect pay the state rent on the property that has their name on it. A portion of that rent money goes to paying for schools, teachers etc.
If you don't believe that her parents are paying for this girl's education please lead the effort to remove real estate and personal property taxes in your town/city/state.
My guess is that you would have a three second delay between speaking the words and having someone ask you "How would we pay for our children's education?" or accuse you of trying to take money away from children.
Nothing in life is free, Personal Property Taxes are vile. The excuse that it pays for public education makes me ill.
I'm all for freedom. Everyone should have the right to wear what they want. To educate their kids the way they choose. Home school your kids. Let them wear what ever they choose every day. I don't care what you do. For sure don't stifle their creativity and individuality. But if you take public money to educate your kids.... you are subject in part to the whims of the public.
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