Keffiyeh allowed at graduation?

[Anonymous]

Not looking for a political discussion, but just want to know MCPS’s stance on students wearing keffiyeh at graduation. Can MCPS require students to take it off before a student walks? Has there been an official statement?

[Anonymous]

How can you ask this question and say you're not looking for a political reaction?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can you ask this question and say you're not looking for a political reaction?

?? People have kids who want to do this, and want to know what will happen.

[Anonymous]

I mean, Sherwood had to issue an apology when a student’s senior quote in the yearbook was deemed problematic … think: along the same lines as where your post is going, OP. The student made a public apology as well.

Graduation really isn’t the place to make a faux political statement. The ceremony is for everyone…it’s not about you or your student’s beliefs on what is obviously a very political hot button issue.

Wear the cap and gown and focus on the purpose of the event. And make your political statements elsewhere. I mean, presumably kids can do that on college campuses. Have at it then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How can you ask this question and say you're not looking for a political reaction?

?? People have kids who want to do this, and want to know what will happen.

Someone will do it…and someone will file a lawsuit when the student is denied or reprimanded.

[Anonymous]

I was at Churchill’s this morning. They had made a big stink about nothing unauthorized would be allowed at gradation, but I did notice one student wearing one. She was allowed to walk with it. She did not make any disturbance and the whole graduation was well done and fantastic for all of the students. However I was kind of surprised that she was not asked to remove it in the current environment.

[Anonymous]

Isn’t it technically cultural fabric? Can they actually even restrict it without it being a lawsuit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t it technically cultural fabric? Can they actually even restrict it without it being a lawsuit?

If the kid isn't middle eastern they can't really claim they're being racially discriminated against. It's appropriation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t it technically cultural fabric? Can they actually even restrict it without it being a lawsuit?

This. Why would keffiyeh’s be banned? They are cultural to many countries in the Middle East

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t it technically cultural fabric? Can they actually even restrict it without it being a lawsuit?

If the kid isn't middle eastern they can't really claim they're being racially discriminated against. It's appropriation.

That's a very tricky path: usually, if you identify with a culture that is not yours ancestrally, because you've lived there as a child, or have taken on their values as an adult, it's not cultural appropriation. It's a celebration of what is now part of your own identity.

However in this context, you'd need to be extremely tone-deaf not to realize that you are putting yourself at risk of immediate retribution if you appear at graduation with this specific article, especially if you do not present as Middle Eastern or with Middle Eastern name. Haters do not stop to think. They will just condemn out of hand.

Even if this is your birthright clothing and you look the part, it's still risky, because Americans are by and large anti-Muslim and anti-Arab.

[Anonymous]

I saw kids wearing them last year. Your kid will be okay. The only people who would have a problem with this are the same depraved people who want to see the genocide continue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t it technically cultural fabric? Can they actually even restrict it without it being a lawsuit?

This. Why would keffiyeh’s be banned? They are cultural to many countries in the Middle East

We’re not in the Middle East.

[Anonymous]

I’m the OP- anyone know if there is official guidance?

[Anonymous]

If keffiyehs are banned, so, too, should cross necklaces, prayer shawls, yarmulkes, Star of David necklaces, rainbow scarves, and any other religious or cultural garb.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn’t it technically cultural fabric? Can they actually even restrict it without it being a lawsuit?

This. Why would keffiyeh’s be banned? They are cultural to many countries in the Middle East

We’re not in the Middle East.

Freedom of religion and cultural expression, PP - it's in the Constitution. The USA is not the Christo-fascist nation you seem to think it is, despite your best efforts. And if that were the case, then Jewish symbols would be out too!