Family declares victory in kilt dispute

Published on Thursday 12 January 2006 11:08

THE PARENTS involved in a kilt controversy in America were overjoyed with this week's decision to grant their student-son the right to wear his Scottish attire in school.

The Missouri school district reversed its ban on cultural wear to school events, announced plans to institute cultural sensitivity training to district employees and offered a written apology to Nathan Warmack, the student who was banned from wearing his kilt to a school dance.

The actions were announced during a school board meeting on Monday night. Nate and his parents, joined by supporters, attended the meeting to voice their concerns.

"We received everything that we were looking for in the decision," says Terry Warmack, Nate's father. "We are very happy that the school board came to the correct conclusion."

The stunning reversal by the Jackson R-II School District followed a grassroots effort from a clan association and the media to raise awareness of the incident.

The Clan Gunn Society of America spearheaded an online petition soon after the November incident at Jackson High School. The society then organised efforts to complete Nate's formal kilt attire and created a fund to help pay the family's legal bills - which exceed $1,000.

The Warmacks are looking forward to the prom in spring - the last big school dance before graduating in June - when the 18-year-old Nate is hoping to wear the full Scottish attire.

"He has asked to wear it on casual occasions, and we have given our blessing," the father tells scotsman.com. "I am sure he will be wearing it often."

The Warmacks have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from around the world. Although some members of the family are said to be uncomfortable with traveling by aeroplane, the parents and Nate hope to visit Scotland in the near future and meet with some of the people who backed their efforts.

"I wish that there were words to tell everyone who supported us in Scotland how much we appreciate them. I wanted to send a special note of thanks to you and your readers."

When asked what lessons were learned from this experience, Warmack notes: a renewed respect for cultural attire; someone who is willing to fight for their rights still exist in Jackson, Missouri; and, "don't mess with the Scots!!!".