School skirting the issue

2006-01-13 11:53

Missouri - It appears a great kilt debate in southeast Missouri has come to a close.

After being told to change out of a kilt at a school dance, Jackson High School senior Nathan Warmack received an apology during a school board meeting on Monday. It came with a promise from the district's superintendent to train staff in properly interpreting the school's dress code.

Warmack, 18, wore a kilt to a dance in November with a dress shirt and tie as a way to recognise his Scottish heritage. Principal Rick Mcclard told Warmack to change into pants, sparking an internet petition that drew comment from around the world and angered Scottish heritage organisations who felt the student's outfit was appropriate.

"Everything turned out exactly the way we were hoping," The student's father, Terry Warmack, said on Tuesday. "It ended up going further than we anticipated, but we're thankful to the school board for how things went."

Calls to school officials and the Warmacks' lawyer were not immediately returned.

Nathan wore his kilt to the school board meeting. The student plans to wear it again to his school prom, and Scottish groups are working to provide him with an entire outfit of formal Scottish dress. Several of the donated pieces are being handmade by Scots around the United States.

Terry Warmack said he came away from the meeting convinced that school officials will now protect against discrimination based on national origin. He also said he didn't think too much had been made of the incident.

"I don't believe it's blowing something out of proportion if you're fighting for something you believe is a right," He said.

- AP