Fight discrimination of individuality in schools!
Target:
The National Board of Education
Sponsored by:
Four Hedgesville Students Sent Home For Wearing Eyeliner
Reported by: Megan Healey
Friday, Aug 29, 2008 @12:04am EST
HEDGESVILLE, WV - Four Hedgesville High School students were sent home Thursday for allegedly violating the dress code. It's something that's not sitting well with their parents, who've called on district administrators to investigate.
Derek Rose says he likes to wear make-up; in fact, he wore eyeliner to school nearly every day last year.
"Lines beside my eyes, red on top and black on the bottom or all red or whatever,%u201D he says.
But when school started this week, Derek was immediately told his eyeliner was out of line.
%u201CI talked with the principal and he told me that young men wearing eyeliner is a symbol of gangs, violence and drug use. So pretty much I felt like I was being labeled a terrorist,%u201D he says.
Derek was told to wash off the make-up, or face being sent home. Instead, his mom came to the school, to find out what all the fuss was about.
"The principal said he can't be wearing eyeliner like that because it's a distraction,%u201D says Sharon Carpenter-Rose. "You know, it's eyeliner. I wear eyeliner. It doesn't make any sense to me."
In a statement to NBC25, Hedgesville principal Don Dellinger said school policy states certain markings can symbolize satanic worship, witchcraft or gang membership. He says the make-up worn in this case reflects those kinds of markings, and is inappropriate.
"People don't look at us and think we're the next %u201Cuna-bomber," says Kathleen Stritcher, who was also sent home. "They just think 'there's the gothic kid' and keep walking."
Derek's mom says the principal is being sexist because there's no rule against make-up in the school hand-book.
"If that's the way it is, then they have to make everyone take off their make-up, girls and boys, and they need to put it in the book,%u201D she says.
All four students sent home say they plan to continue wearing their eyeliner to school, despite any further punishment they could face.
Carpenter-Rose says the school board told her they can't do much in this case, because the principal has jurisdiction over his school.
Dellinger says he has consulted with other principals and administrators in Berkeley County, and they are all on board with his decision.
~This is outright discrimination, and in no way indicates that this child was involved in any gangs. This happens more often than you see in the news. Lets petition together so that our children can keep their individuality in the school within reason of course. We are not asking that they can do whatever they want, but that if it is ok for the cheerleaders to wear makeup it should be ok for everyone else!
Reported by: Megan HealeyFriday, Aug 29, 2008 @12:04am EST
HEDGESVILLE, WV - Four Hedgesville High School students were sent home Thursday for allegedly violating the dress code. It's something that's not sitting well with their parents, who've called on district administrators to investigate.Derek Rose says he likes to wear make-up; in fact, he wore eyeliner to school nearly every day last year.
"Lines beside my eyes, red on top and black on the bottom or all red or whatever,%u201D he says.
But when school started this week, Derek was immediately told his eyeliner was out of line.
%u201CI talked with the principal and he told me that young men wearing eyeliner is a symbol of gangs, violence and drug use. So pretty much I felt like I was being labeled a terrorist,%u201D he says.
Derek was told to wash off the make-up, or face being sent home. Instead, his mom came to the school, to find out what all the fuss was about."The principal said he can't be wearing eyeliner like that because it's a distraction,%u201D says Sharon Carpenter-Rose. "You know, it's eyeliner. I wear eyeliner. It doesn't make any sense to me."
In a statement to NBC25, Hedgesville principal Don Dellinger said school policy states certain markings can symbolize satanic worship, witchcraft or gang membership. He says the make-up worn in this case reflects those kinds of markings, and is inappropriate.
"People don't look at us and think we're the next %u201Cuna-bomber," says Kathleen Stritcher, who was also sent home. "They just think 'there's the gothic kid' and keep walking."
Derek's mom says the principal is being sexist because there's no rule against make-up in the school hand-book.
"If that's the way it is, then they have to make everyone take off their make-up, girls and boys, and they need to put it in the book,%u201D she says.
All four students sent home say they plan to continue wearing their eyeliner to school, despite any further punishment they could face.
Carpenter-Rose says the school board told her they can't do much in this case, because the principal has jurisdiction over his school.
Dellinger says he has consulted with other principals and administrators in Berkeley County, and they are all on board with his decision.
~This is outright discrimination, and in no way indicates that this child was involved in any gangs. This happens more often than you see in the news. Lets petition together so that our children can keep their individuality in the school within reason of course. We are not asking that they can do whatever they want, but that if it is ok for the cheerleaders to wear makeup it should be ok for everyone else!
Four Hedgesville Students Sent Home For Wearing Eyeliner Reported by: Megan Healey
Friday, Aug 29, 2008 @12:04am EST
HEDGESVILLE, WV - Four Hedgesville High School students were sent home Thursday for allegedly violating the dress code. It's something that's not sitting well with their parents, who've called on district administrators to investigate.
Derek Rose says he likes to wear make-up; in fact, he wore eyeliner to school nearly every day last year.
"Lines beside my eyes, red on top and black on the bottom or all red or whatever,%u201D he says.
But when school started this week, Derek was immediately told his eyeliner was out of line.
%u201CI talked with the principal and he told me that young men wearing eyeliner is a symbol of gangs, violence and drug use. So pretty much I felt like I was being labeled a terrorist,%u201D he says.
Derek was told to wash off the make-up, or face being sent home. Instead, his mom came to the school, to find out what all the fuss was about.
"The principal said he can't be wearing eyeliner like that because it's a distraction,%u201D says Sharon Carpenter-Rose. "You know, it's eyeliner. I wear eyeliner. It doesn't make any sense to me."
In a statement to NBC25, Hedgesville principal Don Dellinger said school policy states certain markings can symbolize satanic worship, witchcraft or gang membership. He says the make-up worn in this case reflects those kinds of markings, and is inappropriate.
"People don't look at us and think we're the next %u201Cuna-bomber," says Kathleen Stritcher, who was also sent home. "They just think 'there's the gothic kid' and keep walking."
Derek's mom says the principal is being sexist because there's no rule against make-up in the school hand-book.
"If that's the way it is, then they have to make everyone take off their make-up, girls and boys, and they need to put it in the book,%u201D she says.
All four students sent home say they plan to continue wearing their eyeliner to school, despite any further punishment they could face.
Carpenter-Rose says the school board told her they can't do much in this case, because the principal has jurisdiction over his school.
Dellinger says he has consulted with other principals and administrators in Berkeley County, and they are all on board with his decision.
~This is outright discrimination, and in no way indicates that this child was involved in any gangs. This happens more often than you see in the news. Lets petition together so that our children can keep their individuality in the school within reason of course. We are not asking that they can do whatever they want, but that if it is ok for the cheerleaders to wear makeup it should be ok for everyone else!
Reported by: Megan HealeyFriday, Aug 29, 2008 @12:04am EST
HEDGESVILLE, WV - Four Hedgesville High School students were sent home Thursday for allegedly violating the dress code. It's something that's not sitting well with their parents, who've called on district administrators to investigate.Derek Rose says he likes to wear make-up; in fact, he wore eyeliner to school nearly every day last year.
"Lines beside my eyes, red on top and black on the bottom or all red or whatever,%u201D he says.
But when school started this week, Derek was immediately told his eyeliner was out of line.
%u201CI talked with the principal and he told me that young men wearing eyeliner is a symbol of gangs, violence and drug use. So pretty much I felt like I was being labeled a terrorist,%u201D he says.
Derek was told to wash off the make-up, or face being sent home. Instead, his mom came to the school, to find out what all the fuss was about."The principal said he can't be wearing eyeliner like that because it's a distraction,%u201D says Sharon Carpenter-Rose. "You know, it's eyeliner. I wear eyeliner. It doesn't make any sense to me."
In a statement to NBC25, Hedgesville principal Don Dellinger said school policy states certain markings can symbolize satanic worship, witchcraft or gang membership. He says the make-up worn in this case reflects those kinds of markings, and is inappropriate.
"People don't look at us and think we're the next %u201Cuna-bomber," says Kathleen Stritcher, who was also sent home. "They just think 'there's the gothic kid' and keep walking."
Derek's mom says the principal is being sexist because there's no rule against make-up in the school hand-book.
"If that's the way it is, then they have to make everyone take off their make-up, girls and boys, and they need to put it in the book,%u201D she says.
All four students sent home say they plan to continue wearing their eyeliner to school, despite any further punishment they could face.
Carpenter-Rose says the school board told her they can't do much in this case, because the principal has jurisdiction over his school.
Dellinger says he has consulted with other principals and administrators in Berkeley County, and they are all on board with his decision.
~This is outright discrimination, and in no way indicates that this child was involved in any gangs. This happens more often than you see in the news. Lets petition together so that our children can keep their individuality in the school within reason of course. We are not asking that they can do whatever they want, but that if it is ok for the cheerleaders to wear makeup it should be ok for everyone else!
~This is outright discrimination, and in no way indicates that this child was involved in any gangs. This happens more often than you see in the news. Lets stop this together so that our children can keep their individuality in the school within reason of course. We are not asking that they can do whatever they want, but that if it is ok for the cheerleaders to wear makeup it should be ok for everyone else! Stopping the use of makeup would be too extreme as well. Our high school children are at the age they are developing their identities. To force our opinions, or conformity upon them will only further push them in the wrong direction. What this child did was not outrageous, was not vulgar, and was not disruptive. His suspension should be repealed with a full apology. This was discrimination, and while we understand there has to be guidlines in the dress code this went above, and beyond to downright bullying by school staff.
We signed the "Fight discrimination of individuality in schools!" petition!
# 70:
12:15 am PST, Jan 8,
Brandy Ramos, Texas
# 69:
4:54 pm PST, Jan 4,
Andreana Tarleton, Louisiana
This is idiotic. I wish someone WOULD send me home for wearing my make up a certain way. I'm a Gothic teen and this has nothing to do with "Satan worship". We have the right to dress as we please. Just because the school administration does not like how we dress, it does not give them the right to send us home for dressing different. Gothic Liberation Front, baby!
This is idiotic. I wish someone WOULD send me home for wearing my make up a certain way. I'm a Gothic teen and this has nothing to do with "Satan worship". We have the right to dress as we please. Just because the school administration does not like how we dress, it does not give them the right to send us home for dressing different. Gothic Liberation Front, baby!
# 68:
2:31 pm PST, Dec 30,
Chantal Lauzon, Canada
# 67:
12:49 am PST, Dec 30,
Maggie F Amaya, Texas
# 66:
2:17 am PST, Dec 19,
Silky Wylder, Wisconsin
# 65:
8:31 am PST, Dec 12,
Mattie Hardesty, Texas
Fight discrimination of individuality in schools! Damn communists... Ban one, ban them all.
Fight discrimination of individuality in schools! Damn communists... Ban one, ban them all.
# 64:
6:06 am PST, Dec 4,
Cole Swinehart, Indiana
i completely agree with this im a sophmore and i am a satanist NOT TRADITIONAL Anton LaVey's satanism buta i brought my satanic bible to school to read, and during free read my teacher saw it and was instantly offened, she said i couldnt read it because it wasn't school related, it was obvious that it was because it wasnt her religion. I went to the deans to talk about it and she said the teacher was allowed to do that even though she has A BIBLE in her room i have been banned from bringing it to school period
i completely agree with this im a sophmore and i am a satanist NOT TRADITIONAL Anton LaVey's satanism buta i brought my satanic bible to school to read, and during free read my teacher saw it and was instantly offened, she said i couldnt read it because it wasn't school related, it was obvious that it was because it wasnt her religion. I went to the deans to talk about it and she said the teacher was allowed to do that even though she has A BIBLE in her room i have been banned from bringing it to school period
# 63:
10:52 am PST, Dec 2,
Melanie Allen, Kentucky
# 62:
4:26 pm PDT, Oct 30,
Name not displayed, New Zealand
I complety agree, Us Students shouldnt have to be told what kind of earrings we put in our ears. What makeup we wear its not about what we look like its about our education our WORK our future. So Why should people care what we look like thats just pathetic.
I complety agree, Us Students shouldnt have to be told what kind of earrings we put in our ears. What makeup we wear its not about what we look like its about our education our WORK our future. So Why should people care what we look like thats just pathetic.
# 61:
6:07 pm PDT, Sep 29,
Dominique Marquez, California
# 60:
11:56 am PDT, Sep 25,
Simos Tarabatzis, Greece
# 59:
2:11 pm PDT, Sep 22,
Natural Path, Florida
# 58:
10:37 am PDT, Sep 22,
Dina Mattson-Reddy, Washington
# 57:
5:34 pm PDT, Sep 21,
Jasmine Colon, Pennsylvania
Satanism is purely a Christian invention and belief. Often the kids that are "different" are the ones that are successful as adults. I was one of the headbangers in high school, with my bandanas and my rock band patches all over my jackets. I'm now a part-time financial accountant and a part-time real estate agent. I don't drink or do drugs, I've never even received a parking ticket. Now my non-headbanger friend who followed all the latest trends (a follower not a leader) moved back to his own coutry a heroine addict. Just two examples on my part. But who am I? ...oh, just a success who wear eyeliner everyday and still listens to Marilyn Manson, Guns & Roses and Insane Clown Posse. And Yes, I like to brag.
Satanism is purely a Christian invention and belief. Often the kids that are "different" are the ones that are successful as adults. I was one of the headbangers in high school, with my bandanas and my rock band patches all over my jackets. I'm now a part-time financial accountant and a part-time real estate agent. I don't drink or do drugs, I've never even received a parking ticket. Now my non-headbanger friend who followed all the latest trends (a follower not a leader) moved back to his own coutry a heroine addict. Just two examples on my part. But who am I? ...oh, just a success who wear eyeliner everyday and still listens to Marilyn Manson, Guns & Roses and Insane Clown Posse. And Yes, I like to brag.
# 56:
2:23 pm PDT, Sep 19,
Laura Galbreath, Kentucky
This is utterly ridiculous, what has been said to these children and done, is a complete violation of their constitutional rights. It needs to be stated in the school handbook if make up is not allowed; and if ever revised as such, it need be a universal rule. I'm terribly sorry, but accusing these kids to be witches or gang affiliated IS a type of dicrimination. Note to the dear principal, being a WITCH, I need to inform you,that is not a sign of who or what we are.Sir, please get a clue, wake up and smell the coffee. Sadly, for you, we do not live in the 50's anymore
This is utterly ridiculous, what has been said to these children and done, is a complete violation of their constitutional rights. It needs to be stated in the school handbook if make up is not allowed; and if ever revised as such, it need be a universal rule. I'm terribly sorry, but accusing these kids to be witches or gang affiliated IS a type of dicrimination. Note to the dear principal, being a WITCH, I need to inform you,that is not a sign of who or what we are.Sir, please get a clue, wake up and smell the coffee. Sadly, for you, we do not live in the 50's anymore
# 55:
12:22 am PDT, Sep 13,
Can Atik, Turkey
# 54:
12:20 pm PDT, Sep 7,
Name not displayed, Ohio
What was the principal thinking? If one sex is allowed to do something and the other sex can't, it would be called sexist. If they say makeup on guys is symbolic to gangs and crap. Then why isn't it symbolic on girls. The principal made a big mistake for wasting so much time and money on bull sh,, like this and not focusing on things he is paid to do. people these days..
What was the principal thinking? If one sex is allowed to do something and the other sex can't, it would be called sexist. If they say makeup on guys is symbolic to gangs and crap. Then why isn't it symbolic on girls. The principal made a big mistake for wasting so much time and money on bull sh,, like this and not focusing on things he is paid to do. people these days..
# 53:
8:14 am PDT, Sep 7,
Amanda Burritt, New York
This is absolutely outrageous. If the conservative fundies really have taken over to the point where freedom of expression is no longer allowed if it doesn't involve what they want to see or hear, then I'm pulling my son out and finding a way to live off the grid!
This is absolutely outrageous. If the conservative fundies really have taken over to the point where freedom of expression is no longer allowed if it doesn't involve what they want to see or hear, then I'm pulling my son out and finding a way to live off the grid!
# 52:
5:18 am PDT, Sep 7,
Melissa Webber, South Africa
If it is a rule no eyeliner then adhere to it, however there is no need to overeact, what are we teaching the children. We need to educate and teach our children to be independant and multiacetted
If it is a rule no eyeliner then adhere to it, however there is no need to overeact, what are we teaching the children. We need to educate and teach our children to be independant and multiacetted
# 51:
11:36 pm PDT, Sep 5,
Lisa Mcgee, Ohio
There is NOTHING wrong with a teenager expressing themselves. If they cannot do this, there will repercussions later such as suicide and killing others for no reason; only because the individual is not allowed to express themselves. Please allow the dress code to diminish.
There is NOTHING wrong with a teenager expressing themselves. If they cannot do this, there will repercussions later such as suicide and killing others for no reason; only because the individual is not allowed to express themselves. Please allow the dress code to diminish.
# 50:
1:26 pm PDT, Sep 5,
Name not displayed, Maryland
If eyeliner is not allowed, it should be banned for all students. Otherwise, it's a case of gender discrimination. And really, aren't there more important things to worry about in a school than whether the kids dress as goths? Instead of stereotyping them, why not focus on making sure they get the skills they're going to need when they graduate?
If eyeliner is not allowed, it should be banned for all students. Otherwise, it's a case of gender discrimination. And really, aren't there more important things to worry about in a school than whether the kids dress as goths? Instead of stereotyping them, why not focus on making sure they get the skills they're going to need when they graduate?
# 49:
7:45 am PDT, Sep 5,
Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
# 48:
6:38 pm PDT, Sep 4,
Sarah Munday, Australia
I think it's truy disgusting if people want to wear eyeliner to school they should be able to its a matter of individuality and some people may feel comfortablein eyliner and i dont think its very fair they should get sent home its very discriminative. it would be like sending a teacher homw because they are wearing a tie. It's natural for someone to wear ties as it is natural for others to wear eyeliner
I think it's truy disgusting if people want to wear eyeliner to school they should be able to its a matter of individuality and some people may feel comfortablein eyliner and i dont think its very fair they should get sent home its very discriminative. it would be like sending a teacher homw because they are wearing a tie. It's natural for someone to wear ties as it is natural for others to wear eyeliner
# 47:
1:36 pm PDT, Sep 4,
Stony Fletcher, Idaho
We need to spend more energy on helping kids learn and less on keeping kids all the same. We will need that individuality when they become adults, to bring new ideas into the work force.
We need to spend more energy on helping kids learn and less on keeping kids all the same. We will need that individuality when they become adults, to bring new ideas into the work force.
# 46:
11:35 am PDT, Sep 4,
BiLL Fowlie, Maine
# 45:
10:37 am PDT, Sep 4,
NICKIE SMITH, Michigan
# 44:
3:19 am PDT, Sep 4,
Annamarie Trotta, New York
If these kids are singled out it is discrimination it can't be ok for some and not for others. If you are banning eyeliner and it is not banned for everyone then it can not be banned for these kids.
If these kids are singled out it is discrimination it can't be ok for some and not for others. If you are banning eyeliner and it is not banned for everyone then it can not be banned for these kids.
# 43:
8:44 pm PDT, Sep 3,
Nancy Callow, New York
# 42:
3:28 pm PDT, Sep 3,
Kevin McGlynn, New York
# 41:
3:04 pm PDT, Sep 3,
Freddie Geisler, Florida
# 40:
11:36 am PDT, Sep 3,
Peg Gordon, Michigan
If teachers, the administration, students and their parents have a problem then get more educated. As a parent I want my kids who are now 19 and 17 years old NOT to live in a box. Most importantly schooling is for the students. We as teachers, the administration, and parents must realize our kids are individuals and them going to school is about them NOT us. We learn from our kids and we need to remember this because then we have trust between them and us along with respect.
If teachers, the administration, students and their parents have a problem then get more educated. As a parent I want my kids who are now 19 and 17 years old NOT to live in a box. Most importantly schooling is for the students. We as teachers, the administration, and parents must realize our kids are individuals and them going to school is about them NOT us. We learn from our kids and we need to remember this because then we have trust between them and us along with respect.
# 39:
11:04 am PDT, Sep 3,
Kasey Kasler, Florida
# 38:
11:01 am PDT, Sep 3,
Beth Potrykus, Wisconsin
# 37:
10:31 am PDT, Sep 3,
ELAINE ROBINSON, United Kingdom
I am all for people aving their own individuality
I am all for people aving their own individuality
# 36:
7:33 am PDT, Sep 3,
Lynn Walker, Ohio
# 35:
5:45 am PDT, Sep 3,
Roxie Schliesman, Wisconsin
# 34:
12:06 am PDT, Sep 3,
Julia B. Murray, Arizona
respect individuality, be kind not cruel
respect individuality, be kind not cruel
# 33:
10:22 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Donna Trueblood, Idaho
Doesn't the school board have more important issues they need to deal with? This kid likes eyeliner, alot of rock bands wore makeup (like the 80's big hair bands). The school board needs to get a life
Doesn't the school board have more important issues they need to deal with? This kid likes eyeliner, alot of rock bands wore makeup (like the 80's big hair bands). The school board needs to get a life
# 32:
7:22 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Sarah Ray, North Carolina
# 31:
7:05 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Martin Schilde, Washington
# 30:
6:51 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Rusty Mae Moore, New York
School administrators who make a big fuss about normal teenage rebellion are wasting time and effort which could better be devoted to improving the education of their students.
School administrators who make a big fuss about normal teenage rebellion are wasting time and effort which could better be devoted to improving the education of their students.
# 29:
4:46 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Kim Stickler, Indiana
# 28:
4:12 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Kym Gardner, New York
I have a 15 year old and strongly encourage her to express herself through clothes and make-up if that is how she chooses. I think these kids being sent home is nonsense, they are being singled out and it should not be allowed.
I have a 15 year old and strongly encourage her to express herself through clothes and make-up if that is how she chooses. I think these kids being sent home is nonsense, they are being singled out and it should not be allowed.
# 27:
3:13 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Sarah Carknard, New York
School is a place where individuality should be encouraged, not punished.
School is a place where individuality should be encouraged, not punished.
# 26:
2:59 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Elizabeth Venable, Virginia
I hope people keep fighting against prejudice behavior until people eventually quit judging people without knowing knowing all the facts.
I hope people keep fighting against prejudice behavior until people eventually quit judging people without knowing knowing all the facts.
# 25:
2:46 pm PDT, Sep 2,
David Phelps, Nevada
This is bull. If a child decides to wear eyeliner and go to school who is to say if that child is not allowed to wear it while at the same time allowing other children to do so based on sex? This is supposed to be a country that has freedom of religion. An employer cannot discriminate based on age, gender, religion or sexual orientation, how can a school? This same government that prosecutes people for discriminating, run the schools and is doing it themselves. This must be stopped immediately!
This is bull. If a child decides to wear eyeliner and go to school who is to say if that child is not allowed to wear it while at the same time allowing other children to do so based on sex? This is supposed to be a country that has freedom of religion. An employer cannot discriminate based on age, gender, religion or sexual orientation, how can a school? This same government that prosecutes people for discriminating, run the schools and is doing it themselves. This must be stopped immediately!
# 24:
1:44 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Chelssea Goodwin, New York
The actions against these students for wearing eyeliner are outrages. This is blatant gender discrimination. If the principal interpreted the eyeliner as a sign of witchcraft of satan worship as he says then it is only permissible if ALL religious symbols including the cross and the Star of David are also verboten on grounds of separation of Church and State. This is another example of how the freedom of the individual to self expression as clearly protected under the First Amendment is being curtailed in these dangerously reactionary times.
The actions against these students for wearing eyeliner are outrages. This is blatant gender discrimination. If the principal interpreted the eyeliner as a sign of witchcraft of satan worship as he says then it is only permissible if ALL religious symbols including the cross and the Star of David are also verboten on grounds of separation of Church and State. This is another example of how the freedom of the individual to self expression as clearly protected under the First Amendment is being curtailed in these dangerously reactionary times.
# 23:
1:13 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Rev Sandra Dunham, New York
This is racial as well as religious profiling.. These children have bone nothing wrong except being different than everyone else.. Eyeliner does not make you a Witch, Wiccan, Satanist or anything but colorful and attention getting.. But if they have been wearing this for months.. then it is commonplace and as long as their parents do not have a problem.. who gives you the right to make them card board cutouts of what YOU think children should be... Be glad they are expressing themselves.. they could be doing other much more dangerous and destructive things.. like drugs, sex smoking... Get your mind on education not racism... I am a Mother of 2.. one a 16 yr old boy as well as Being a Wiccan Priest
This is racial as well as religious profiling.. These children have bone nothing wrong except being different than everyone else.. Eyeliner does not make you a Witch, Wiccan, Satanist or anything but colorful and attention getting.. But if they have been wearing this for months.. then it is commonplace and as long as their parents do not have a problem.. who gives you the right to make them card board cutouts of what YOU think children should be... Be glad they are expressing themselves.. they could be doing other much more dangerous and destructive things.. like drugs, sex smoking... Get your mind on education not racism... I am a Mother of 2.. one a 16 yr old boy as well as Being a Wiccan Priest
# 22:
1:01 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Angela Mixon, Florida
This is utterly ridiculous. For the principal to say that the fact a goth teen is into satanic things and cults because he wore eyeliner just proves how stupid and archaic people still are when it comes to diverse cultures and trends. I think if these people are going to be overseeing the education of our children, then THEY need to get educated on the many different trends and cultures and things that our kids are a part of, instead of acting on ignorance and fear of anything that is not like them. I can see why more and more parents are home schooling their children, if these are the kinds of things we can expect from our educational system. At least when we teach them at home, they can be themselves, whatever trend, religion, fad or what have you that involves!
This is utterly ridiculous. For the principal to say that the fact a goth teen is into satanic things and cults because he wore eyeliner just proves how stupid and archaic people still are when it comes to diverse cultures and trends. I think if these people are going to be overseeing the education of our children, then THEY need to get educated on the many different trends and cultures and things that our kids are a part of, instead of acting on ignorance and fear of anything that is not like them. I can see why more and more parents are home schooling their children, if these are the kinds of things we can expect from our educational system. At least when we teach them at home, they can be themselves, whatever trend, religion, fad or what have you that involves!
# 21:
12:52 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Lynn Hudson, New Mexico
This is clearly sexual discrimination at its finest. It is also religious discrimination based on the principal's remarks; specifically "In a statement to NBC25, Hedgesville principal Don Dellinger said school policy states certain markings can symbolize satanic worship, witchcraft or gang membership. He says the make-up worn in this case reflects those kinds of markings, and is inappropriate." By this statement, the school's policy is guilty of religious discrimination; wheter it is Satanic worship or Witchcraft (distinctly different) both are protected religions, and cannot be legally discriminated against. This needs to stop and change NOW!
This is clearly sexual discrimination at its finest. It is also religious discrimination based on the principal's remarks; specifically "In a statement to NBC25, Hedgesville principal Don Dellinger said school policy states certain markings can symbolize satanic worship, witchcraft or gang membership. He says the make-up worn in this case reflects those kinds of markings, and is inappropriate." By this statement, the school's policy is guilty of religious discrimination; wheter it is Satanic worship or Witchcraft (distinctly different) both are protected religions, and cannot be legally discriminated against. This needs to stop and change NOW!
# 20:
12:47 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Olivia Alperstein, New Jersey
Individual expression is a kep to indentity, and nowhere do I see girls being told they have to stop putting on mascara or eyeliner- in fact, they are encouraged. The school's dress code does not specify eyeliner as an unnacceptable form of makeup (nor rationally should it,) and eyeliner hardly qualifies as a gang sign, or else half of the teenage girl population would be suspended. I mean, how many tough guys do you see wandering in packs, getting into fights and wearing mascara? Not many. They'd get beaten up themselves for wearing makeup. As for Satanic worship? Even if Wiccans did don an occasional bit of eyeshadow (hardly a distinguishing factor,) I think that religious freedom is mentioned in the Constitution- possibly in the 1st Amendment. I don't know- might have changed over a couple of centuries. The Founding Fathers didn't have backup copies the way they do now.
Individual expression is a kep to indentity, and nowhere do I see girls being told they have to stop putting on mascara or eyeliner- in fact, they are encouraged. The school's dress code does not specify eyeliner as an unnacceptable form of makeup (nor rationally should it,) and eyeliner hardly qualifies as a gang sign, or else half of the teenage girl population would be suspended. I mean, how many tough guys do you see wandering in packs, getting into fights and wearing mascara? Not many. They'd get beaten up themselves for wearing makeup. As for Satanic worship? Even if Wiccans did don an occasional bit of eyeshadow (hardly a distinguishing factor,) I think that religious freedom is mentioned in the Constitution- possibly in the 1st Amendment. I don't know- might have changed over a couple of centuries. The Founding Fathers didn't have backup copies the way they do now.
# 19:
12:42 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Rebecca Shane, Colorado
# 18:
12:33 pm PDT, Sep 2,
Jodi Trotter, Colorado
This principal ought to be fired. How dare him think because you do not agree with him that you are a witch or practice Satanism? If they are witches, where is the freedom of religion? This is outrageous! Let the kids be kids, get a education, and quit making a issue out of the little things.
This principal ought to be fired. How dare him think because you do not agree with him that you are a witch or practice Satanism? If they are witches, where is the freedom of religion? This is outrageous! Let the kids be kids, get a education, and quit making a issue out of the little things.
# 17:
9:29 am PDT, Sep 2,
Derick F., Canada
# 16:
9:08 am PDT, Sep 2,
Doro Kausch, Ireland
# 15:
8:05 am PDT, Sep 2,
Ginger Geronimo, Alabama
# 14:
7:56 am PDT, Sep 2,
Paul Bruce-joy, United Kingdom
# 13:
7:45 am PDT, Sep 2,
Stephanie Malin, United Kingdom
This is downright SEXISM!!! Girls can have long hair, so why can't guys? Girls can wear make-up, so why can't guys? Girls can wear skirts, so why can't guys? WHY? Because people are stereotypical and sexist, that's why... >:(
This is downright SEXISM!!! Girls can have long hair, so why can't guys? Girls can wear make-up, so why can't guys? Girls can wear skirts, so why can't guys? WHY? Because people are stereotypical and sexist, that's why... >:(
# 12:
7:39 am PDT, Sep 2,
LuCy J Boogaard, Netherlands
# 11:
7:17 am PDT, Sep 2,
Tamarah Swensen, Netherlands
# 10:
7:13 am PDT, Sep 2,
Name not displayed, New York
# 9:
7:06 am PDT, Sep 2,
Kelly Evans, Texas
# 8:
4:03 am PDT, Sep 2,
Angela Rhodes, Greece
# 7:
4:03 am PDT, Sep 2,
Luanne Kloster, Vermont
I have a real problem with having witchcraft categorized with satanic worship and gangs. This is an ignorant statement made by Don Dellinger and I would like him to make a public apology. By the way, it is just eyeliner, let the students be who they are and worry about their education, not their eyeliner.
I have a real problem with having witchcraft categorized with satanic worship and gangs. This is an ignorant statement made by Don Dellinger and I would like him to make a public apology. By the way, it is just eyeliner, let the students be who they are and worry about their education, not their eyeliner.
# 6:
3:49 am PDT, Sep 2,
Animal Abuse Greece, Greece
# 5:
1:07 am PDT, Sep 2,
Maria Romano, New York
that is disgusting! this was nothing more then based on personal opinion!
that is disgusting! this was nothing more then based on personal opinion!
# 4:
12:04 am PDT, Sep 2,
Pam Boland, Georgia
# 2:
11:36 pm PDT, Sep 1,
Name not displayed, California
Hello-- I honestly think school principals have more to worry about than eyeliner. Examples include: improving students' test scores, hiring terrific teachers and worrying about guns and drugs on campus. --KP
Hello-- I honestly think school principals have more to worry about than eyeliner. Examples include: improving students' test scores, hiring terrific teachers and worrying about guns and drugs on campus. --KP
# 1:
11:07 pm PDT, Sep 1,
Atara Chava, Kentucky
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