Check out this story, as written by Graham Watson on Yahoo! Sports, and let me know what you think….
(photo: abcnews.go.com)
A 5-year-old boy learned the hard way that Columbus, Ohio, isn’t the only place that hates Michigan — apparently Oklahoma does too.
Young Cooper Barton wore his favorite Michigan shirt to Wilson Elementary in Oklahoma City and was told it violated the Oklahoma City Public Schools dress code and was asked to turn the shirt inside out. According to the dress code, students are only allowed to wear Oklahoma, Oklahoma State or apparel from another Oklahoma state school. Everything else is a violation (especially Texas).
“They should really worry about academics. It wasn’t offensive. He’s 5,” Cooper’s mother Shannon Barton told News9.com.
The dress code also prohibits professional apparel.
This isn’t the first time a kindergartener has been asked to ignore their collegiate allegiance. In February, Emma Burton of Olathe, Kan., refused to color a University of Kansas Jayhawk because she and her parents were devout Kansas State fans.
According to the television station, the Oklahoma City Public Schools dress code was created in 2005 as part of a way to rid schools of gangs and gang apparel.
Obviously, it’s a little ridiculous to think 5-year-old Cooper was trying to rep his gang colors. His parents are just big Michigan fans and so is he. Consequently, the school district will revisit the dress code policy.
Perhaps it will be overturned so Cooper can rock his shirt for the big game against “Ohio” (as Brady Hoke would say).
Happy Bloggin’ Ya’ll!
That is BS. This is school, and he’s a tiny child that is suffering the wrath of childish adults. Shame on the school! My being here in Michigan has no bearing on what I think, and more so because I don’t care for college sports and think that colleges place far too much emphasis on sports as does our entire nation these days. How much would removing or reducing the sports affliction from schools, reduce the cost of a college education…
*rolls eyes* I can’t believe a little kid got in trouble for this.
It’s a pretty sad state of affairs when we start identifying colleges with gangs and come up with stupid rules like this one.
Make sure the glasses don’t come from the shop down the road either, we don’t like them. Also, if you are going to commit arson, make sure it is with a zippo lighter, anything else will get you life in prison
[...] Reposted from: expertofnone [...]
Ridiculous, school is about education, what’s this teaching this kid?
Reblogged on my Genes Blog.
AV
It’s so unreal!
Crazy!
Crazy.
This is a sad story. But, I live in LA, and lots of public schools have instituted school uniforms — even in elementary schools — to avoid any gang colors being worn. At this young age, it’s not about the little kid. It’s about their older siblings dressing them, or even their gang member parents. It makes the school a dangerous place, because the youngsters are then targeted by the older kids as they get off the bus or what have you. I don’t know what it’s like in Oklahoma.
My kids aren’t allowed to wear logos of other high schools. I know. It’s odd. And I’ve heard that football is religion in OK.
There is NO common sense in public education anymore.
Ridiculous! I can’t believe there are not better things to focus on. Our spawn can’t wear beer/liquor/cigarette clothing or clothing with offensive (swearing) language.
I’m from a different state than where I reside – we love the Hawkeyes – I have loads of Iowa stuff. My son is a Vikings fan in the Packer State. Free speech anyone?
Besides the fact that HE’S 5!!!! It’s a shirt!!! He’s in kindergarten!!! aaauuuggghhhhhh.