From the Caplis & Silverman Show on 630 KHOW.
Students showing their pride not allowed at school!
Elizabeth Haas
Katie Gohlgart
Katie & Tim Kerstiens
The Shirt that got Anthony Medina suspended
TANCREDO LETTER SENT TO SHAW HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, MYLA SHEPHERD
Dear Principal Shepherd,
I was astonished to learn that officials at Shaw Heights recently threatened an honor student with disciplinary action for wearing a red sweater, a white T-shirt, and blue jeans. The student was apparently reprimanded for violating the newly formulated dress code banning "clothing that makes a political statement," purportedly because of the color combination she chose.
To say that it is disturbing to see school administrators spending their time and limited resources scrutinizing the color combinations of students' clothes in search of hidden political messages would be an understatement. As a former educator, I am frankly shocked by how far afield the public education apparatus appears to have wandered.
When teachers like Jay Bennish and Ward Churchill transform our classrooms into personal platforms to disseminate delusional and nihilistic propaganda, the education establishment seems too paralyzed to respond. Yet when students take the initiative to passively express pro-American sentiments by, for example, sewing a stars-and-stripes flag patch on a backpack (or choosing a red, white, and blue outfit, evidently) school administrators are quick to discipline, punish, regulate and suppress.
I believe this kind of double standard sends the wrong message to students, and I hope that you and other administrators who have recently implemented these kinds of misguided policies will seriously consider rescinding them.
Sincerely,
Tom Tancredo
Member of Congress
LETTER SENT HOME TO PARENTS FROM PRINCIPAL MYLA SHEPHERD OF SHAW HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS
April 7, 2006
Dear Parents and Guardians:
During the week of March 27th, students were observed exhibiting behavior that was interfering with instruction. This behavior appeared to be directly related to students’ attire. Our goal at Shaw Heights Middle School is to provide a safe learning environment for our children/students. The neutral dress code that was implemented as a result of widespread student behavior has been very beneficial. Thank you for your support in helping us keep a safe and orderly learning environment at Shaw Heights Middle School by having your child adhere to our neutral dress code. We appreciate your cooperation.
On Friday, March 31 we sent home a letter detailing the neutral dress code, specifically asking that students not wear the following: clothing that makes a political statement, camouflage clothing, and banners, flags or bandanas of any type.
I would like to clarify the dress code, as there seems to be confusion about colors of clothing. Students may wear all colors – red, white, blue, green, etc. They may wear combinations of colors – red, white, blue, green, etc. They simply may not wear attire that displays a flag. We will continue to monitor student behavior and as the situation improves we will consider returning to our original dress code.
As the weather gets warmer, we want to remind you and your child about our dress code that specifies three-inch wide shoulder straps, shirts that cover midriffs, skirts and shorts that are mid-thigh in length
We remain diligent in maintaining a safe learning environment for all children. The “Falcon Four” helps maintain that focus through respect, responsibility, integrity and pride at all times.
I hope your family enjoys a wonderful Spring Break. I look forward to seeing our students return on Monday, April 17, and to the rest of a great school year.
Sincerely,
Myla Shepherd,
Principal Shaw Heights Middle School