from the Scotsman.com
Tue 20 Dec 2005
Highlanders support kilt ban pupil
An American student banned from wearing a kilt to his high school dance has won the support of a Highland community.
Nathan Warmack, 18, from Missouri, was told to change into trousers by the school principal when he turned up wearing the tartan.
An online petition was launched demanding an apology from Jackson High head Rick McClard, drawing more than 1,600 signatures.
The figure was boosted by residents of Caithness after a local councillor posted a link to the
petition on a community website.
Bill Fernie, councillor for Wick West, said: "One of the leaders of Clan Gunn over in America contacted me and asked me to highlight what had happen
ed to the community here.
"Caithness is the home of the clan so he thought that people here might be interested in showing their support for their petition. It's something that a lot of people feel quite strongly about."
Warmack became interested in his Scottish heritage after watching Mel Gibson play hero William Wallace in the film Braveheart. He bought a kilt in red MacRae tartan on the internet and wore it with a shirt and tie and to his school's formal dance.
He claimed that the principal ordered him to change, telling him that he did not want anyone at the dance looking like a clown.
Members of the Clan Gunn Society of North America launched the petition on November 19.
It reads: "How could a person who works with kids on a daily basis not see the importance of self-esteem and the courage it takes young people to show pride in their families' heritages? We truly hope Mr McClard finds the courage to apologise to Nathan Warmack. He deserves an apology."
© Copyright Press Association Ltd 2005, All Rights Reserved.
The principal is a jackass. Who like most principals I have en
countered is not understanding and wouldent know culture if it jumped up and bit him on the ASS! Ipersonallyy hope that Nathan was going "regimental" and took it off right in front of the principal!
If you would like to let mr. McClard know how you feel, here is his email address!
rmcclard@jackson.k12.mo.us
If you would like to add your name here is the petition
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