Its a ridiculous policy, and not something you would expect a school to have. Unless this is some sort of private school, that has a dress code as well. I wouldn't blame the mom for this, and I'm glad she's fighting it.
I'm biased though, being a long-haired guy myself. ;)
Its a ridiculous policy, and not something you would expect a school to have. Unless this is some sort of private school, that has a dress code as well. I wouldn't blame the mom for this, and I'm glad she's fighting it.
I'm biased though, being a long-haired guy myself. ;)
There's fighting and there's fighting. She's going about it the wrong way. She should be at the board meetings.
And I believe most school dress codes are pretty dumb, but this isn't a good stand.
He should cut it or go to a different school.
I once had long hair. I thought it was kinda cool at the time but looking back at it I do now know that I looked like a scum bag. But then again that's probably kinda why I grew it out in the first place. Well other than just being absolutely lazy.
I do agree with the above. If you're going to fight it then do so at a board meeting and not by hindering your own child's education.
Also, maybe teach your son how to look respectable.
There's fighting and there's fighting. She's going about it the wrong way. She should be at the board meetings.
EXACTLY Right. Heck - it's only the keystone of democracy. Oh, right - we're a TV/Media nation *sigh*
I said it in the other thread about this kid - you don't like the policy - get off your butt, go to the meetings and get it changed (it isn't that hard).
Her kids getting an education... Possibly a better one if he doesn't have any behavioral issues. Since it sounds like he's in a one-on-one with a teacher. She's making allowances, by tying his hair up. She's obviously doing more then just sending him, since the school board has already made (pointless) changes. If she just cuts his hair, then she's giving up, the school won't change because they've already won.
What if your parents put you into a school that required you to shave your head, or required you to be in a different room because you wore glasses instead of having contacts? Girls should be put in a different classroom because they have their ears pierced, or their hair isn't to the appropriate link (we don't want girls to look too tom-boyish).
It's completely ridiculous. Do you know where she lives? This is probably the school district she's in, her other options would be open enrollment, in which case she might not be able to take the child there as easily, or there are fees on open enrollment, and sometimes schools just won't let you do it (due to student/teacher ratios etc...). Other option is private school, which if this is what the public school is like, private schools would probably be worse not to mention costly.
Why are you on the side of a school telling a 4 year old that he doesn't belong there, that because of the way he LOOKS he is a detriment to their classroom?
If this mom didn't care about her kid, she would have just shaved his head, and goose step marched him off to school like a good sheep. It takes more effort to fight for something then it does to rollover.
What if your parents put you into a school that required you to shave your head, or required you to be in a different room because you wore glasses instead of having contacts? Girls should be put in a different classroom because they have their ears pierced, or their hair isn't to the appropriate link (we don't want girls to look too tom-boyish).
I'd first talk to my parents and ask about having them enroll me in a school that allowed for the style I wanted. If they said no to me then there is but no choice but follow school policy. Now if I don't like the school policy, which in this situation i guess it is assumed that we don't, then I'd go and try and get my voice heared at board meeting so as to change the school policy so that I could look like a scumbag at school.
You people who keep moaning about her runing his education have an awfully high opinion of kindergarten. They teach you reading, writing, and basic arithemetic. Even without any extra effort you can get a four year old up to speed on that, all the while protesting a schools absurd policies.
I don't think that's all there is to kindergarten. Its greatest virtue is that it gives kids a chance to interact in large peer groups, which is probably as important to education--learning to be a social being, that is--as is the actual numbers and letters and such. At least, that's what I've gleaned from my kindergarten teacher mom's highly technical spiels on developmental psychology.
Its greatest virtue is that it gives kids a chance to interact in large peer groups, which is probably as important to education--learning to be a social being, that is--as is the actual numbers and letters and such.
And yet home-schooling is considered a viable option. So it can't be that important.
Cut the god gamned hair. Jesus Christ, it isn't a big deal. He looks like a hippy. And where's the dad's opinion?
It played immeadiately after for me. The father seems to have no problem with duking it out with the system.
Cut the god gamned hair. Jesus Christ, it isn't a big deal. He looks like a hippy. And where's the dad's opinion?
It played immeadiately after for me. The father seems to have no problem with duking it out with the system.
This kid is going to be bullied.
Cut the god gamned hair. Jesus Christ, it isn't a big deal. He looks like a hippy. And where's the dad's opinion?
It played immeadiately after for me. The father seems to have no problem with duking it out with the system.
This kid is going to be bullied.
Given the nature of his family, I doubt any bully will walk away lacking a bloody nose.
Cut the god gamned hair. Jesus Christ, it isn't a big deal. He looks like a hippy. And where's the dad's opinion?
It played immeadiately after for me. The father seems to have no problem with duking it out with the system.
This kid is going to be bullied.
Given the nature of his family, I doubt any bully will walk away lacking a bloody nose.
Then the bloody nose-ees will sue, and will win on grounds of "Cut the damn kid's hair".
Then the bloody nose-ees will sue, and will win on grounds of "Cut the damn kid's hair".
Or how about we leave the kid alone and let him wear his hair as he chooses? Or is that asking too much?
Then the bloody nose-ees will sue, and will win on grounds of "Cut the damn kid's hair".
Or how about we leave the kid alone and let him wear his hair as he chooses? Or is that asking too much?
It's causing problems. Yes, it is asking too much to leave it be.
Then the bloody nose-ees will sue, and will win on grounds of "Cut the damn kid's hair".
Or how about we leave the kid alone and let him wear his hair as he chooses? Or is that asking too much?
It's causing problems. Yes, it is asking too much to leave it be.
If somebody tells me to cut my son's hair because of some stupid school policy (this does not apply if it's a private school), you can bet I'm going to fight it an not cut my son's hair. If my boy wants long hair, he can have long hair. I don't see the big deal. Why even forbid it in the first place?
Same goes for my daughter. Here in Japan, there is a stricter dress code. Girls are typically not allowed to dye their hair. By the time my daughter's old enough to think about it we'll be back in Canada. If she uses her own money to dye her hair when she's going to school there, and it's made an issue of, I'll fight for her too. It's just not that big a deal.
The only reason this is causing problems is because of a stupid policy that serves no real purpose. Change the policy, not the hair. It's just a hairstyle. Kid looks fine to me without the ponytail. The only big deal is the school policy which just seems silly.
It's causing problems. Yes, it is asking too much to leave it be.
Who is it causing problems for? It isn't disruptive to the classroom environment. The only problem being caused is that someone insists on enforcing an outdated regulation.
It's causing problems. Yes, it is asking too much to leave it be.
Who is it causing problems for? It isn't disruptive to the classroom environment. The only problem being caused is that someone insists on enforcing an outdated regulation.
It's causing geeks to bicker!
It's causing problems. Yes, it is asking too much to leave it be.
Who is it causing problems for? It isn't disruptive to the classroom environment. The only problem being caused is that someone insists on enforcing an outdated regulation.
It's causing geeks to bicker!
Umm... Ok. Sure.
So, is that your new favorite smiley?
Rules are rules even if they are stupid rules. If you want them changed then go through the proper channels but until then either conform to the rules or be treated as an outcast rule breaker. Don't be a god damn bitch about the damn thing.
The stupid rule ain't the problem. The problem is that they are blatantly breaking the rule. Not only that (I haven't followed the story much) they are not going through the proper channels in order to change the rules properly.
Rules are rules even if they are stupid rules. If you want them changed then go through the proper channels but until then either conform to the rules or be treated as an outcast rule breaker. Don't be a god damn bitch about the damn thing.
I don't recall the story saying they had or hadn't tried working the system. And blatantly breaking a bad rule is fine by me. In the long run, perhaps it is better this way. As the saying goes, the easiest way to get a bad law removed is through its strict enforcement.
It's causing problems. Yes, it is asking too much to leave it be.
Who is it causing problems for? It isn't disruptive to the classroom environment. The only problem being caused is that someone insists on enforcing an outdated regulation.
It's causing geeks to bicker!
Umm... Ok. Sure.
So, is that your new favorite smiley?
Imma let you finish, but this is one of the best smilies of all time. Of all time!For the most part, dress codes are dumb. They are pretty much based upon nothing real. But that doesn't mean you can just ignore them. If I were a lawyer (non-trial) or a wall street guy, would I go out and get a pink mohawk? Does that affect my ability to do my job? Does distracting others affect my job? But it will have a negative impact on my job.
So what's wrong with letting this stupid kid (and probably his stupid parents) learn this? I hate the idea that you have to protect children from the world. Children shouldn't be taught that "everyone's a winner" because in life, you have to compete to succeed. Not everyone at my job is going to get the same pay and the same raises/bonuses.
If you want to be an outcast, be an outcast. But is it worth it? Is having long hair worth the lack of education.
And I agree that kindergarden is as much as learning to deal with other kids and socialize than it is with actually learning. The social aspects of schooling is an important as the actual learning for the most part. The kid himself was saying how he doesn't get to be with friends and whatnot.
And remember, schools are run like Nazi institutions. Schools are not a place of freedom and expression. Should children get freedom of speech in their schools?
And finally, I agree that if the parents actually cared, they'd try to change the rules through channels that didn't harm their child. Based upon nothing, I'll just assume the parents are attention whores who are loving their 15 minutes.
You people who keep moaning about her runing his education have an awfully high opinion of kindergarten. They teach you reading, writing, and basic arithemetic. Even without any extra effort you can get a four year old up to speed on that, all the while protesting a schools absurd policies. And hey, by the time the kid is ready to start 1st grade they'll probably have already cut his hair for Locks of Love. Looks like his hair is at least close to six inches now, so by August he'll have the nine inches required and they'll cut it off.
No, they have a high opinion on our school system in general if they think suspension is damaging their child's education.
This should be fought, and fought hard. This is exactly the sort of nonsense that is partly destroying our society. Rather than be concerned with teaching our children anything, we have to enforce a dress code!
Then the bloody nose-ees will sue, and will win on grounds of "Cut the damn kid's hair".
Or how about we leave the kid alone and let him wear his hair as he chooses? Or is that asking too much?
It's causing problems. Yes, it is asking too much to leave it be.
That's absurd. You don't force the bullied victim to change their behavior, you punish the damn bullies.
Then the bloody nose-ees will sue, and will win on grounds of "Cut the damn kid's hair".
Or how about we leave the kid alone and let him wear his hair as he chooses? Or is that asking too much?
It's causing problems. Yes, it is asking too much to leave it be.
That's absurd. You don't force the bullied victim to change their behavior, you punish the damn bullies.
+1
Victim-blaming is still victim-blaming even if kids can be cruel.
EDIT: So, I found this school's dress code online, and, well, it wants kids to dress like they're going to the office. It's pretty heavy-duty for a public school. LINK: <www.mesquiteisd.org/students/policies/st...>
The kid looks dumb with long hair and the mom looks kinda like a scumbag. I think the school should not budge just to comply for one whiny parent.
EDIT: So, I found this school's dress code online, and, well, it wants kids to dress like they're going to the office. It's pretty heavy-duty for a public school. LINK: <www.mesquiteisd.org/students/policies/st...>
Eep! "All pants and shorts will be pleated or flat-front Docker® or similar style and must have belt loops." AKA no blue or black jeans!
Read the list. Whatever you wore in school isn't allowed in Mesquite.
They must be crushing out a huge gang problem or something.
Then they are doing it the wrong way. Your attire and hair style does not hinder your ability to do group crime. You could have great taste in clothes (at school/work) and hair styles but still be a street hoodlum.
If I was on the school board with this mom doing this I'd try and see about tightening up the dress code.
The kid looks dumb with long hair and the mom looks kinda like a scumbag. I think the school should not budge just to comply for one whiny parent.
Read the link I just posted. The dress code is pretty tight.
...and we have a waaaaaaaaaaay, waaaay more lenient dress code...
Read the link I just posted. The dress code is pretty tight.
Good, and that's how it should be (for no good reason)!
Now what would be funny is if the kid ends up cutting his hair and then a week later the school makes it OK for boys to have long hair. Oh, that would so damn awesome.
PBN, you make good points. I think those of us who object to the dress code are folks who take a certain comfort in our appearence as is. For some of us it is an expression of individuality, for others it is an expression of control. Either will chafe at these rules. Were I a student, I'd refuse to follow these rules. Were I a parent, I'd work to get the code changed and homeschool my child (if possible) in the meantime. I am neither, and even if I were I wouldn't be living there (Texas sucks). Most I can do is shake my head at it and go about my business.
Thank you (I try). Mind you - this is the libertarian in me speaking. Government should always fall to the smallest portion, in my opinion. School policy belongs to the community, as far as I'm concerned. Also - as for taking comfort - I'm from a different era. Throughout high school, I ALWAYS had my Buck knife (sheathed) hanging from my belt. Such an action I doubt would be accepted ANYWHERE nowadays. (of course, now that I'm older, the Buck has been replaced by a Leatherman - hehe)
It is what the community has decided it wants for its schools.
No, it's what the school board has decided it wants for it's schools. To assume that is equivalent to the community is... naive. Having been through similar fights back when I was in high school I can say with confidence that, if it wants to, a school board can make very unpopular decisions pretty will-nilly. If any of them are actually worried about their position (most won't be, it's not really a job so much as a thing they occasionally do) they'll just do it when they're half-way through their term or whatever you call it and by the time they're up again people will have forgotten as it's years later.
And once it's in place it's much harder to get it off the books then it was to get it on...
Really, it's representive government, not democracy. There is a difference.
No, it's what the school board has decided it wants for it's schools.
Incorrect - at least if they follow a similar structure to what is done in NYS. The Policy committe (the ones that enact district policy) are community members.
To assume that is equivalent to the community is... naive.
Interesting choice of words - naive. I assume the community members IS equivalent to community.
Having been through similar fights back when I was in high school I can say with confidence that, if it wants to, a school board can make very unpopular decisions pretty will-nilly.
Perhaps that is a regional difference (see above). In addition to the fact that the policy is drafted by the community. The various high school STUDENTS in the district (through student legislation - of which I was a part of), are asked to comment on ALL policy decisions, as well as be present during the board meetings at which the policy is reviewed.
If any of them are actually worried about their position (most won't be, it's not really a job so much as a thing they occasionally do) they'll just do it when they're half-way through their term or whatever you call it and by the time they're up again people will have forgotten as it's years later.
Only if people don't do due diligence during the elections. Keeping abreast of school policy and the voting records of board members is easier than it is for almost all other elections.
And once it's in place it's much harder to get it off the books then it was to get it on...
Again - perhaps a regional difference. Board meetings are open to the community, and policy is addressed/reviewed on a yearly basis.
Really, it's representive government, not democracy. There is a difference.
This is true. Moreover, the quality of that representation is entirely dependant on the electorate. If they fail in that responsibility, then they are getting what they deserve.
edited to add: If I recall your current state correctly, they follow a similar practice - utilizing the school councils (just checked the by laws). The council is composed by parents (3), teachers (2), one non-licensed employee. (One of the parents must represent the business community)
And you continue going on about how things should happen, instead of the way they do happen, because...?
No "shoulds" in that post. That's what does happen. That includes the bit about people that don't bother staying on top of what is going on getting what they deserve. If people choose to allow others to make such decisions, that is their choice. As with all choices, they can then live with the consequences of those choices.
edited: grammar
Are the parents even trying things in addition to having their child suspended or are they just content with him taking the bulk of the punishment/work?
Accreditation be damned too.
Scypio: No clue. I'm assuming that the kid's parents aren't total rejects and are actually trying to change policy. But you never know.
PBN: I live in a pretty different region to Escher and it's much the same here. School Board functions however they damn well please. With us (The community) be damned.
Is this from common experience, or did you look into the board policy? I ask, not to be argumentative, but many of the policies are handed down. There are some strictures which MUST be kept in place, based upon federal and state guidelines. From there, the whole thing usually gets hashed out by the board's attorneys. Unfortunately, many just "believe" that such is the case, but never actually tried. I already looked into the regs for EE's state, I'll leave it to you to find yours. Simply google the district, go to the board link (they almost always have one), and check the documents. Odds are, if they have a website, the docs will be posted on-line. My guess is - the district council appoints a committee. I believe (though I'm not sure) that the requirement that parents comprise the council is a national convention.
Is this from common experience, or did you look into the board policy? I ask, not to be argumentative, but many of the policies are handed down. There are some strictures which MUST be kept in place, based upon federal and state guidelines. From there, the whole thing usually gets hashed out by the board's attorneys. Unfortunately, many just "believe" that such is the case, but never actually tried. I already looked into the regs for EE's state, I'll leave it to you to find yours. Simply google the district, go to the board link (they almost always have one), and check the documents. Odds are, if they have a website, the docs will be posted on-line. My guess is - the district council appoints a committee. I believe (though I'm not sure) that the requirement that parents comprise the council is a national convention.
Looked into policy. Our most recent episode of Shenanigans involved the firing of our superintendent and the near loss of our state accrediations in our high schools, as a direct result. I'll see if I can find the story for you, thought it might take some digging.
Shouldn't take me long though, it was quite a news story in my state for a while.
part one of Shenanigans www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?S=10518371
www2.morganton.com/content/2009/sep/09/s...
It's a convoluted mess so it might take me a while to get it all properly linked etc. But there's the basics. (a good portion of it is in various links in the second link)
Long story short, the school board decided they wanted to ditch the super, for reasons unrelated to job performance (there's some real estate controversy involved too on the side IIRC) which was not only a bone headed move with parents, teachers and students but by the time it was all said and done our national accreditation was put into jeapordy.
for space
Thank you, WBTV, for your interest and coverage of this continuing situation. While the Burke County school board majority, which includes Norman, continues with actions and statements which make Burke County seem like a backward place to live, a closer look reveals a different picture. This problem did not happen because the residents are uneducated and do not care about education. Two situations caused it: 1) A low election turnout resulted in BOE members that do not have the education or experience to make the decisions with which they are faced. 2) A lack of checks and balances over all local BOEs this year could have allowed this problem to occur in any NC county. A law that allowed state BOE authorities to step in and remove local BOE members who did not follow the law was repealed last year. A replacement law that allowed the court system to address these problems was proposed, but has been held up in the state senate's judiciary committee. This removed checks and balances on local school board members in NC. Hopefully this situation has taught the people and legislators of NC that checks and balances must ALWAYS be in place for elected officials. Burke County can be proud of how its residents have stepped up to fight and speak out against the BOE majority despite no assistance from our state government! Community members have had the the courage and committment to stand up against this board's poor legal and/or moral choices which include: a blatant disregard for 1st Amendment Rights and rules of the Open Meeting Law, threatening behaviors toward our educational staff, unlawful termination of the school superintendent, and a consistent disinterest in following the will of the majority of the county's residents. This school board majority is actively opposed by community members from all socioeconomic groups, ages, races, and educational levels. Although Ms. Norman does not believe or accept this fact, anyone who spends the day in Morganton or surrounding areas listening to conversations in businesses or other gathering places would be hard pressed to find anyone in support of the school board majority. Although many residents of our county are guilty of not participating in the last BOE election as they should have, they are now actively involved in opposing the direction of this BOE whether it involves attending BOE meetings (sometimes at difficult times of the day or in overcrowded meetings halls), displaying signs in yards and businesses, writing letters to media or state and local officials, or speaking out in official or non-official capacities against the actions of this group. Our community should be proud of how they have come together to oppose these officials. We all look forward to a record turnout for the BOE election in November when the focus of this board can be returned to what is best for our children and their education in Burke County!
Thank you, WBTV, for your interest and coverage of this continuing situation. While the Burke County school board majority, which includes Norman, continues with actions and statements which make Burke County seem like a backward place to live, a closer look reveals a different picture. This problem did not happen because the residents are uneducated and do not care about education. Two situations caused it: 1) A low election turnout resulted in BOE members that do not have the education or experience to make the decisions with which they are faced. 2) A lack of checks and balances over all local BOEs this year could have allowed this problem to occur in any NC county. A law that allowed state BOE authorities to step in and remove local BOE members who did not follow the law was repealed last year. A replacement law that allowed the court system to address these problems was proposed, but has been held up in the state senate's judiciary committee. This removed checks and balances on local school board members in NC. Hopefully this situation has taught the people and legislators of NC that checks and balances must ALWAYS be in place for elected officials. Burke County can be proud of how its residents have stepped up to fight and speak out against the BOE majority despite no assistance from our state government! Community members have had the the courage and committment to stand up against this board's poor legal and/or moral choices which include: a blatant disregard for 1st Amendment Rights and rules of the Open Meeting Law, threatening behaviors toward our educational staff, unlawful termination of the school superintendent, and a consistent disinterest in following the will of the majority of the county's residents. This school board majority is actively opposed by community members from all socioeconomic groups, ages, races, and educational levels. Although Ms. Norman does not believe or accept this fact, anyone who spends the day in Morganton or surrounding areas listening to conversations in businesses or other gathering places would be hard pressed to find anyone in support of the school board majority. Although many residents of our county are guilty of not participating in the last BOE election as they should have, they are now actively involved in opposing the direction of this BOE whether it involves attending BOE meetings (sometimes at difficult times of the day or in overcrowded meetings halls), displaying signs in yards and businesses, writing letters to media or state and local officials, or speaking out in official or non-official capacities against the actions of this group. Our community should be proud of how they have come together to oppose these officials. We all look forward to a record turnout for the BOE election in November when the focus of this board can be returned to what is best for our children and their education in Burke County!
In my experience the Corrupt can only get away with what they do, when people are unaware of what is going on. You can squelch and ignore one or two families or even maybe a couple dozen. But it's hard to squelch a town, county or state. There aren't many moments when I am proud of my fellows in this state. But this particular situation I am proud of them. People got Active for what is right.
Even I, who doesn't traditionally take part of local small scale politics got involved on this one. *As I don't believe the local level means jack usually* Because frankly what they did was entirely wrong.
Scypio: No clue. I'm assuming that the kid's parents aren't total rejects and are actually trying to change policy. But you never know.
Eh, I would assume if the parents were actually doing stuff, it'd say in the various articles. So until it says they were doing stuff, I'll just assume they aren't. But yeah, you never know, the media does suck.
And you continue going on about how things should happen, instead of the way they do happen, because...?
No "shoulds" in that post. That's what does happen.
Nah, you kept going on about "policy" this, and "open" that. Are studnets allowed to voice their opinions? Are parents allowed to say something? Sure. School board doesn't have to do more then pretend to listen.
You kept talking about policy and how the process works in the ideal case where everyone cares and is informed. But not everyone cares and most people aren't informed. The real case is quite different from your little ideal case.
So yeah. You keep talking about the way it should happen. I have zero faith that most people in any part of the US care about their local school board and pay attention to what's going on. And when people don't care, the way it should happen is rarely the way it does happen, until someone manages to screw up big enough for people to actually sit up and pay attention.
And you continue going on about how things should happen, instead of the way they do happen, because...?
No "shoulds" in that post. That's what does happen. That includes the bit about people that don't bother staying on top of what is going on getting what they deserve. If people choose to allow others to make such decisions, that is their choice. As with all choices, they can then live with the consequences of those choices.
edited: grammar
apparently you missed part of it. That IS (by your latest post) what DOES happen. Nothing "ideal" about it.
edited to add: or everything ideal - depending on your viewpoint. I find it ideal, others may not.
Are studnets allowed to voice their opinions?
... WTF is a "studnet"?
Show
Yes, I know it's a typo. But it's a funny typo.
... WTF is a "studnet"?ShowYes, I know it's a typo. But it's a funny typo.
Or maybe it's a pornsite?
... WTF is a "studnet"?
Sorta like skynet, but much more studly.
apparently you missed part of it. That IS (by your latest post) what DOES happen. Nothing "ideal" about it.
Nah, I just ignored it. Your post was discussing your ideal case and how it should happen. Should I ignore that you have your head in the clouds just because you made a small concession to the imperfect world?
Perhaps my sense of what is right and wrong escapes you. When people are foolish or lazy - they DESERVE the fruits of their labor (or lack thereof). It is why you will seldom see me complain about politicians - the country got what it deserved. When they burn themselves bad enough - hopefully, they'll learn. That is the only optimism I hold. That eventually, they'll mess up so badly, they'll have to wake up.
If there's a system in place and people choose not to use it, you don't blame the system when the people become unhappy.
Precisely. It's like when people complain about the **** on television. That is what the people want - that is what they get. Greatest Common Factor. Unfortunately, I haven't the time - but I've been working on a civics curriculum that I hope to introduce in my district. The reason - to give them the tools they should have and use. (but few do). Much like when DS asked for the GAO link. I keep tabs on these people, from school district to federal government and everything in between - it's my responsibility. I won't abdicate it, like so MANY others.
My head isn't in the clouds
No? Well, as much as I'd like to explain just why I disagree (and its not just this thread, but a consistent pattern throughout many of your posts), that's way over the line into "discussing the poster", so I'll refrain.
Perhaps my sense of what is right and wrong escapes you.
If your view of "right and wrong" was at all relevant, I might even care.
When people are foolish or lazy - they DESERVE the fruits of their labor (or lack thereof).
And... so? I have, at no point, said anything about what people do or don't deserve.
What I objected to, and caused you to go on a huge unnecessary spiel about how things should work, was the claim that "It is what the community has decided it wants for its schools", which is, quite simply, not true.
If there's a system in place and people choose not to use it, you don't blame the system when the people become unhappy.
Who said a thing about blame? It's a silly little game to alleviate oneself of responsibility.
What I objected to, and caused you to go on a huge unnecessary spiel about how things should work, was the claim that "It is what the community has decided it wants for its schools", which is, quite simply, not true.
No - it is. Read my "spiel" one more time. The have chosen to defer their power to set policy. The community has decided that it wished to blindly entrust this duty to a select few. So be it. Now they can live with it.
Who said a thing about blame? It's a silly little game to alleviate oneself of responsibility.
So then the system is working as intended, right? Choosing not to participate is still making a choice. If that's what the community decides to do, that's what the community wants.
A representative speaks on behalf of, votes on behalf of, and so-on. But they are not the community. And they can make choices that don't represent what the community wants.
A person is not their community.
So just because an elected official makes a choice doesn't mean squat about what the community actually wanted. Its what the official wanted. It might be what the community wanted, it might be what the representative wanted, it might be what the community needs rather then what it wants. But to continue pretending that the desires and decisions of a small group of elected officials is synonymous with what the community as a whole desires and wants is silly.
It might be what the community wanted, it might be what the representative wanted, it might be what the community needs rather then what it wants.
That's sketchy territory because the representative is as flawed as the community. His perceptions of right and wrong are no better than anyone elses. Ideally, he should follow the lead of the community in the spirit of our political system.
That's sketchy territory because the representative is as flawed as the community. His perceptions of right and wrong are no better than anyone elses. Ideally, he should follow the lead of the community in the spirit of our political system.
Not even - it goes back to the original statement - the board enacts policy in most cases, it doesn't write it.
In this case, community involvement doesn't stop after the elections are over. They can go to these meetings and have their voices heard. Most don't bother with that part of it. They have the chance to speak their minds and choose to forgo it.
Irrelevant to what I'm contending.
Sure, the parents should try all legal channels, but no matter what, the school supports (even actively demands) sex discrimination, and I simply can't support that no matter what.
If the school board required uniforms where boys wear ties and girls wear skirts (or any difference between two sets of uniforms), would you also be against that on the base of sexual discrimination?
What about the idea where you separate the sexes when it comes to sports? (Like boys play tennis in the spring while girls play in the fall. What if I want to play tennis in both season?)
I'm just wondering if you draw a line somewhere.