A boy at Riverview High School in Riverview, Florida was removed from class and asked to change his shoes last week. He was wearing high heels, and the principal says they were a distraction.
“It really wasn't a dress code violation, but a matter of his own well-being and if the attire causes disruption,” Principal Bob Heilmann says. “Part of bullying is to try to prevent it, whether people make fun of what you are wearing or your hair. If I can prevent that, I will prevent that.”
He went on to say that while it hadn't gotten out of hand, there had been name calling and ridicule. And on the one hand, we can see his point. Just tell the kid to act and dress normal while at school, and nobody will bother him, right? But on the other hand, why should the kid have to suppress who he is to be safe? Why not, instead, suspend the bullies, and leave the kid wearing heels alone?
Another student decided to wage a protest, and wore a dress to school, but the principal nipped that in the bud as well by “having a chat” with the student and convincing him to change.
“You're not supposed to be discriminated against by race, sexuality or religion,” Morgan Rodgers, a junior at Riverview High School, said about the school's actions. “If girls can wear heels, why can't boys wear heels?”
We're with you, Morgan.
“It really wasn't a dress code violation, but a matter of his own well-being and if the attire causes disruption,” Principal Bob Heilmann says. “Part of bullying is to try to prevent it, whether people make fun of what you are wearing or your hair. If I can prevent that, I will prevent that.”
He went on to say that while it hadn't gotten out of hand, there had been name calling and ridicule. And on the one hand, we can see his point. Just tell the kid to act and dress normal while at school, and nobody will bother him, right? But on the other hand, why should the kid have to suppress who he is to be safe? Why not, instead, suspend the bullies, and leave the kid wearing heels alone?
Another student decided to wage a protest, and wore a dress to school, but the principal nipped that in the bud as well by “having a chat” with the student and convincing him to change.
“You're not supposed to be discriminated against by race, sexuality or religion,” Morgan Rodgers, a junior at Riverview High School, said about the school's actions. “If girls can wear heels, why can't boys wear heels?”
We're with you, Morgan.
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