Hats

I was invited to speak to a local scout troop yesterday about the rights and responsibilities of being a US citizen last night.  One of the topics that I brought up was different that we have the ability to disagree with laws.  We discussed that it is not okay to simply ignore the law, but our obligation to try and change things that we don't agree with.

Last week, a student approached me with a petition to allow students to wear hats in school.  After doing some research, the main reasons for denying hats has in schools has been gang related activity.  I don't see that as a huge issue at Oxford E.S.  The other main reason that I came up with is based on socially accepted norms.  I never walk into the bank and see the staff there wearing baseball caps, let alone backward hats.  I am a little torn on whether this issue should fall into the socially acceptable category or not.  After a weekend to think, I agreed to allow the students to try hats, starting Tuesday, April 18th.

However, in true democratic fashion, I have negotiated a trade.  Students will be able to wear hats, but our hallways must be completely quiet, with the exception of greetings and small group projects.

I'll let you know how it goes!