Student Forced To Remove Shirt Lauding Virginity

                 Apparently, virginity is not a virtue at a Wentzville, Missouri middle school. KMOV-TV reported that 13-year-old student Londyn Piglowski was sent to the principal’s office for wearing a hoodie saying, “Virginity Rocks.” In this day and age, one would think Master Piglowski should have gotten an award—or perhaps extra credit-- for wearing an article of clothing sporting that sentiment. The student’s social studies teacher sent him to the principal’s office where he was given the choice of taking the hoodie off or turning it inside out so as to hide the offensive message. He was informed that the sweatshirt was “a little bit borderline for the school,” and warned that if he refused officials would “take action.”

                Piglowski acquiesced to the demand, but admitted thinking, “Why am I taking this off? ‘Cuz it’s like a positive message.” His mother claims the district subsequently threatened to suspend him if he wore the hoodie again, though the district denies this. According to KMOV, the district’s dress code bans students from wearing clothing with statements advocating Immoral, illegal, sexual, or violent behavior, as well as apparel exposing the back, stomach, and buttocks. Other students noted, however, that these rules are routinely flaunted. They said girls frequently wear shirts exposing their stomachs and shorts that don’t fully cover their backsides, without any pushback from teachers.

                I’m sure that’s the case. Based on what’s happened in schools in recent years, I’m surprised school officials didn’t tell Piglowski, “Take the hoodie off. And the rest of your clothes, too!” This would explain why KMOV says that students from around the country have been told by their schools that “Virginity Rocks” apparel is inappropriate. The Wentzville School District sent the station a statement reading: “The District’s policy regarding student dress provides opportunities for our administrators to address student attire that is potentially disruptive to the educational environment. We routinely have conversations with students around attire that may be inappropriate and by and large, our students and families work with our staff to address any concerns.”

                So, tats and piercings-- and butts hanging out-- are okay, as are items with rap “artists” names adorning them, yet a salute to abstinence is “inappropriate,” beyond the pale, and “potentially disruptive?!” Well, I guess we wouldn’t want to risk a student getting distracted while teachers are discussing dental dams, birth control and transgender bathrooms.

                Don’t try wearing your “Sobriety Rules” tee-shirts to school, kids. They might put you on Ritalin.