Apr 26, 2012
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The elementary school daughters of a soldier paralyzed in Afghanistan were punished for wearing t-shirts that bore the logo of an organization that provides homes for severely wounded veterans, according to their mother. However, the Texas school district said it has absolutely nothing to do with the logo — and everything to do with the dress code.
The girls, in first grade and fourth grade at Masters Elementary School, were wearing t-shirts provided by “Homes For Our Troops.” Their mother, Josie Perez-Gorda, said they had recently received word that the organization might be offering the family assistance in building a home that would be safe for her husband.
Army Spc. Justin Perez-Gorda was injured by a road-side bomb in Afghanistan, she told San Antonio television station KENS.
“These guys are fighting for our country and they should be able to wear something that honors their parents, especially if they are wounded,” Perez-Gorda told the television station.
But the Judson Independent School District disagrees. They said the girls were punished because they violated the dress code — not because of the message on the shirt.
“We have a standardized dress code,” Judson ISD spokesperson Aubrey Chancellor told Fox News. “Had the shirt had a collar, it would have been totally fine.”
Chancellor stressed that the school district is not anti-American or anti-military — and said the public has only heard one portion of the story.
“It’s unfortunate it’s become what is on the shirt,” she said. “It was never about what was on the shirt. It was the type of shirt.”
Chancellor said the children had previously violated the dress code multiple times. So when the girls showed up with the t-shirts, the principal called Perez-Gorda explained the problem.
“The principal bought two shirts for the kids — so they could wear them,” she said. But the mother declined. Chancellor said she took her children home and called the media.
“Clearly we are sympathetic to that family,” she said. “Our hearts go out to all military families.”
Perez-Gorda told the television station the girls were not intentionally violating the dress code. They simply wore the t-shirts to show support for their father.
A spokesperson for Homes For Our Troops could not be reached for comment.
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This type of shirt should always be allowed.
Political Correctness gone awry, these little girls were just showing support and being thankful for an organization that is going to benefit their dad, A Wounded Warrior.
Retired vet here and I'm siding with the school on this. You'd think a parent with a spouse in the miltiary would be more likely to follow the dress code, not intentionally violate it and then claim the school is unpatriotic for enforcing it.
Retired vet here and I'm siding with the school on this. You'd think a parent with a spouse in the miltiary would be more likely to follow the dress code, not intentionally violate it and then claim the school is unpatriotic for enforcing it.
Polo-style shirts (any color – solid or stripes).
• T-shirts with college or JISD campus spirit logo.
• Must be tucked in at all times unless the shirt hem is square and no longer than six inches below the waistline.
So as long as its a shirt with a college name on you can keep it on…..And you sick follow the rules gang are ok with this? If we had followed the rules we would still be a colony of England. Rules to control are not the same as rules to protect.
They broke the dress code rules and that is the end of that. I'm a Navy brat and honor our military.But when you are going to school, you need to obey the dress code.
Sorry girls.
Your mother is NOT setting a good example for you. Think about it please.
Retired vet here and I'm siding with the school on this. You'd think a parent with a spouse in the military would be more likely to follow the dress code, not intentionally violate it and then claim the school is unpatriotic for enforcing it.
You do know the difference between military and public schools right?
Here's the difference: if mom doesn't like the school dress code she can find her kids another school to go to. If a Soldier doesn't like the military "dress code", the choice is to follow it or look forward to some counseling, extra duty, restriction, and loss of pay.
Sam Mitrovich So I guess my answer is No you don't know the difference.
I see that you draw some sort of distinction between 'rules to protect' and something about rules to control sheep. I'm cool with your supporting the right of schoolkids to walk around with their pants sagging to their thighs and underwear hanging out even though I think its disgusting and highly inappropriate.
I do know I'm absolutely uninterested in your opinion, so don't expect a reply.
Ok Sam go ahead and place head back in ass, and go to sleep.
Sam Mitrovich Sam, don't waste your breath. Bravo here obviously doesn't want to be bothered with any pesky facts or logic. He simply likes to type.
The school said it needs a collar so be it. So do most golf courses. Rules are rules. I do assume (?) that the basketball teams and all other sports teams have collars when on school grounds performing in the name the school. Just kidding but T's and sweatshirts sometimes have crap on them that is provoking..
If you are going to submit your children to state ran education you have to understand that the state will decide what they wear, think & eat. The state will also dictate ideology and morality. you can see the result of this in the OWSers.
Here is my question to this and any school district that has Dress Code why do have these thing they are a clear 1st Adm. Violation and that should be the question being ask folks.
I hate this crap too….dress code schmess code.
Just read some of the post from people screaming follow the rules. I like to call them SS supports. Truly this country is lost, the spirit of freedom is gone. But there is hope with people like you Robert who refuse to be silent.
Just read some of the post from people screaming follow the rules. I like to call them SS supports. Truly this country is lost, the spirit of freedom is gone. But there is hope with people like you Robert who refuse to be silent.
Robert, while agree that what you wear is an expression of your first amendment rights, think about this: Is wearing club clothes proper attire for kids to wear to get an education? Would wearing pot or beer/alcohol shirts destract be accepted? We all have dress codes everywhere. Your job, I am sure, has a dress code. No where in the schools rules say that the kids cannot ever were those clothes, they just say, to come to the school, you have to wear proper attire. Without these boundaries, you will inevitably have people that will go beyond social acceptable boundaries just because they "can". Teaching kids about this now is setting them up for future success and we should encourage that. Just something to think about.
So its ok to wear a T-shirt with a college logo but not a support our troops logo,and you think that helps set our kids up for success?
I went to a private high school and had a uniform policy. You cant just wear what ever you want. If it violates the dress code policy YOU CAN"T WEAR IT! End of story!
Well said Dave
Put the t shirt on over a shirt w/a collar… should make everyone happy.
The usual excuses that it: 'violates the dress code,' 'we didn't do it because of the message', 'we have a dress code'—though no one states what it may be. Liberals are too influential in our schools and they hate the military. I've never heard of a school which prohibits tee shirts. Teen boys wear them all the time.
As an update: I followed the link to the dress code. Tee shirts are allowed—but only with the school district's pre-determined decorations or messages. And how is it that voter ID is mandated for student elections, but we can't have it for our Country's political elections—which are more likely to be corrupted?
All Mom had to do was put a polo shirt w/collar under the T-shirt, problem solved. Conservatives are problem solvers so lets avoid the drama.
And all the colonies had to do was just pay the taxes,problem solved right?
Really? Your comparing dress code to oppressive taxation? We've got 6 mos. till Pres. election where we can turn this country around so lets not waste energy on these things; we all respect and honor our troops, and this dress code has nothing to do with that.
Someone has to clearify collar on that t shirt. I have a collar which is a half inch wide and it goes completely around my neck on the top of this t shirt.
Alles in ordnung. The school could have handled the issue better…In any case classic example of follow the rules at all costs..
Simple solution: Put the T-Shirts on over a shirt with a Collar. By the way I live in the San Antonio, Texas area. san Antonio proudly calls itself "Military City USA" Judson is a good school it is highly unlikely that the school doesnot have several teachers there who are Vets. I know they have Hundreds of Students who come from Military Families. This is a Non issue. I am a Veteran a member of the Texas Army National Guard. I support the School They would have not stopped the girls over what is on that shirt.
C'mon mom, you know the Dress Code rules, follow them. Don't try to make this something that it isn't.
I also live in Texas and our school system also has "standardized dress". While I do not agree with the policy, I do know that if I send my kids to school in violation of the policy, I can expect a call a short time later to "come and pick them up, or bring clothes that are in compliance".
The woman has no excuse. And I am patriotic to the bone- I live 5 minutes from the largest military base in the continental United States (Fort Hood) and have served 20+ years in uniform myself.
For whatever reason, this woman was seeking publicity. Having violated the policy before, she knew what the result of sending her kids to school with improper shirts would be.
I am a veteran my fathers a veteran, I love the shirts and the support, but I don think it was about the shirts logo. This school has a policy of collard shirts, period. This mother was looking to rock the boat some way and its not they were 5. A five yr old will were whatever the parent gives them, so if the mother cant follow the rules then go to a public school. By the way, if they give into this does everyone here want to see the ACLU in on this when another child doesn't were a collard shirt and they are punished. NO WAY.
Did you read the school dress code?
John Bravo I dont think they would have stated the school dress code and it not be true and opened it to more critisism.
She could have very easily dressed them both with a collared shirt and then had them wear the T-shirts over them. This would have satisfied the dress code requirements. Based on her actions, I feel she did this to get more publicity. I think this was the plan all along.
All this mom had to do was put the message on a shirt that is in accordance with dress code. Simple.
Just one more parent who feels the rules are for other peoples' kids and not meant for theirs. I don't recall anywhere in the article that stated that the school's dress code allowed students with military parents to wear whatever they please.
The real shame here is the "lesson" being taught her children. What I am taking away from this is…if you break the rules and you are called on it, make as much fuss as you can possibly make including but not limited to calling the national news organizations and probably a lawyer. The lawyer is to ensure that HER kids get what they want. This might be a good lesson for her children so that when they are older and they don't get their way, they know what to do about it. Teaches her kids that, instead of following the same rules everyone else has to follow, they can create a fuss and a disturbance to deflect the issue from the breaking of rules because they felt entitled to do so to some sort of a discrimination complaint alleging that her children are being treated differently because their Father has been injured serving his country.
What a crock!
Tops:
• Polo-style shirts (any color – solid or stripes).
• T-shirts with college or JISD campus spirit logo.
• Must be tucked in at all times unless the shirt hem is square and no longer than six inches below the waistline.
Bottoms:
So you are ok with a student supporting a college but not our troops right?
So you are ok with a student supporting a college but not our troops right?
John Bravo Once again I'll repeat what others have emphasized here…it's not what was printed on the shirts, it's the style of the shirt. No collar…no school.
Wrong again,Polo-style shirts (any color – solid or stripes).
• T-shirts with college or JISD campus spirit logo.
• Must be tucked in at all times unless the shirt hem is square and no longer than six inches below the waistline.
Bottoms: You can read right?
John Bravo All I can take away from your posts is that you are capable of typing the same thing over and over again! Good luck with that Olympic Typing competition.
John Bravo I don't think the issue is Troops or Unpatriotic it is about consistency…What causes will you let the students promote? What is appropatiate support for the troops? If yuo open the door, then what is next..Often, it is best to leave it closed and go with exceptions like "Flags Shirt Day" with no messaging…What if a student wanted to wear a "Support Bradley Manning" shirt? He is a Soldier…What if it was Breast Cancer or Autism or legalize Marijuana? Would you still feel as adament about the cause? the school most likely has the policy, as do many organizations, to prevent diverse or potentially negative messaging? Colleges are safe because they are higher learning and get the kids to think about where they want to be educated. I, as a current Solder, see no issues…It's not like they are having some messages and not others.
How dare you chastise this military family. I am sick to death of those who have no clue as to the life of those families whose loved ones are fighting these interminable wars but think you can bequeath us with your wisdom on a subject you know absolutely nothing about. It is for this reason that we should bring back the draft because it is a national disgrace that a mere 1% of the population – young men and women in their late teens and twenties – are shouldering the burden for the rest of us. Please spare me the porch patriot rah rahs who wave their American flags and think that gives them carte blanche to tell this military wife and children about a dress code. Yes, I mean you.
Yeah!!! What she^^^said!!
Alena, I was furious at some of the comments. Love you always darlin and Semper Fi
Love it,this is the spirit of freedom that will keep us going.Tops:
• Polo-style shirts (any color – solid or stripes).
• T-shirts with college or JISD campus spirit logo.
• Must be tucked in at all times unless the shirt hem is square and no longer than six inches below the waistline.
Bottoms: So its ok to support your favorite college but support the troops and the principle will send you home.
You tell them Mary! Are you catching Y and R today?? LOL
Susan, listened to Vicki Behenna today on Dennis Miller. Her son is spending 15 years in prison for killing an al quada operative, which rather spurred my rage to begin with. My boss is on vacation and Mr. Z home with pneumonia and he and I will both be watching Y&R. He laughs hysterically when I explain the story lines. hahah Love ya
The chancellor said "Our hearts go out to all military families" ………… But not enough !!!!!!
Those who know me from my posts know I am a HUGE supporter of our troops; however, I am siding with the school on this one.
My son goes to a school with a dress code that mandates collars on shirts and dress code rules are rules. The principal said if the shirts the girls were wearing had collars, it would have been totally fine. The principal even bought two collared shirts for the girls (who previously violated the dress code several times), but the mother turned it down and then went straight to the media.
Sounds like the mother is using her kids (and the military) to get her 15 minutes of fame.
Sounds like a poor excuse to me, obviously some libtard in that school has a problem with the military.
Very misleading and questionable journalism.
This is another example of what is wrong with our public education. School administrators spend too much time and energy denying children their education because of over-reaching dress codes. Who CARES if a shirt has a collar? PUT THEM IN A CLASSROOM AND TEACH THEM! After all, that is why our schools exist.
Susan, dress codes are important. Just look at schools with no dress codes…pants down below the butt, girls wearing very skimpy attire, weapons and drugs concealed in baggy clothing, attire promoting drugs, smoking, alcohol and violence. Something as simple as a dress code will help teach children respect for authority, when they are older they will have to respect and comply with laws. When you remove the distraction of inappropriate clothing, teaching can happen.
Mike Brown Mr. Brown, I referred to OVER-REACHING dress codes. Of course dress codes have to exist in our schools and I have yet to find a school without one. However, when a dress code goes beyond reasonable and becomes overly restrictive, it interferes with education, and THIRY-FIVE YEARS of research has proved this to be true. A collar does NOTHING to keep our children safer. Too often, dress codes like this serve one pupose – to please the personal taste of a particular administrator. I have personally watched student's respect for school administrators completely deteriorate when dress codes go beyond common sense. Teaching happens when we allow our teachers to teach.
Ms. York, Ms. York, collars on shirts are not unreasonable. I would not wear a t-shirt to church or to the opera but i love t-shirts. If a school requires a collared shirt for students that is in no way unreasonable or overly restrictive. My mother taught for over 30 years in East San Jose, the most difficult school district, she was a mentor teacher for years and was an amazing and gifted woman, but she always had minimum expectations from her students…that was a starting point. If the children had respect for themselves, they could have respect for others and teaching really begins there. This has nothing to do with a collared shirt, it has everything to do with setting a standard for everyone to follow. My daughter is now a teacher and follows those same principles.
I agree with you, Susan. When I was working on my M.Ed., I did some serious research on uniforms (which led to dress codes unintentionally) and they really do not do anything for education- there is no research that one's attire, alone, changes anything. With all the problems in education, focus should be put on more far important issues.
The school is correct. If there is a dress code, it must be followed by all. As soon as a waiver is given for one then it will have to be given for all. Then the dress code disappears. This Mother isn't thinking past her own nose. The little kids get the worst of it because they don't understand. The Mother needs a lesson in following the rules. She sounds like a trouble-maker.
This administration has so moved this country towards socialism, if they could only see what that has done to europe should think twice of destroying this great nation. Have their liberal entities embeded everywhere in our society that they are destroying our culture, when are the American people going to stand up and say Enough is Enough and rebuke them. Our Military should be our pride and joy of this great nation now it is nothing more and a shame being taught to future generations.
She should ask her husband what would happen if he decided to against the military dress code.
She should also ask her self what kind of a mother is going to bring this crap to the media and use her children to further her cause regardless of how good the cause is.
So its ok to support your favorite college but not the troops that have been injured in battle?Tops:
• Polo-style shirts (any color – solid or stripes).
• T-shirts with college or JISD campus spirit logo.
• Must be tucked in at all times unless the shirt hem is square and no longer than six inches below the waistline.
Bottoms:
John Bravo if they have an issue with the dress code they can take it up with the board at any meeting they have. They shouldnt show their lack of ability follow rules on the news, they should go to the board withh the issue and solve it correctly. We dont jus tthrow the president out every 4 years we vote him out, there is a proccess, same goes with this issue you point is moot
No board, or ruling body has the right to thwart peoples 1st amendment right's. We are not a country were majority rule can take people rights away.
No board, or ruling body has the right to thwart peoples 1st amendment right's. We are not a country were majority rule can take people rights away.
John Bravo when you step onto other peoples property, including governmenthtey have all rights to change the rules. I can say you cant wear blue jeans onmy priopert yor you have to leave. they can exercizwe their first amendment without violating clear cut policy
John Bravo and also by your flawed logic, I can work for the military and wear a pink camo vest if I want because it is my first amendment right. teach your kids respect for the rules and authority we wont have the issue we have today
Jeremiah Hampton Well written! I love your example! I can't wait to read Bravo's response. BTW John Bravo, I really liked you on the Brady Bunch!
Martin Miller thank you fo rnot pointing out the mass typos I didnt feel like correcting, shows there are adults in this world somewhere
Although, the kids were out of dress code the school could have taken the situation into consideration and spoke to the mother about the dresscode and told the mother it wld not be allowed again both parties are stupid! It could have been handled in a way thatit wld of ever had a chance to be " News" Worthy at all!
Get these shirts made with collars…problem solved. The school has a right to enforce a dress code, the mom new better. I am a veteran and very strong supporter of the military, I work with the military every day, however, it appears the mother intentionally violated the dress code then ran immediately to the media for attention. She should teach her daughters respect for regulations, when they grow up they will have to comply with laws.
The school is in the right.
Put the image on a shirt with buttons and a collar and you will be good to go.
Put the image on a shirt with buttons and a collar and you will be good to go.
I am a former school teacher and I support the school about the dress code. They should of had the shirts meet the dresscode and then there would not have been a problem.
Too often people use or exploit not only the military, but any "angle" in order to get their 15 minutes. I'm Active Duty and while I support their support of the military, a dress code is a dress code. If they knew the rules (which they should have after "numerous" violations), then they shouldn't use this punishment as an opportunity to blast the school district. Own up to your mistake and move on.
That this has made news is asinine. The parent knows the school has a rigid dress code. It has this because parents like her have moved their gang-related children into JISD for years. This has nothing to do with honoring or dishonoring veterans. This has everything to do with thumbing her nose (through her children) at the school district and authority in general.
I absolutely agree!!! Dress code is dress code.
I absolutely agree!!! Dress code is dress code.
Agreed. I heard this on the news. A dress code is a dress code. Deal with it.
Or move.
offcourse the school is anti military. this school should be sued its a shame.
apparently most posters here are anti military as well.these people right for us to be free and yet a school can decide to take that freedom away. it is not right. school board don't have the right to make rules that go against the constitution.
Mike – What color is the sky in your world? Just curious.
Martin Miller when this school dictators start making these stupid rules it time for a new school board.
Martin Miller its red white and blue not red like in the libs world
Martin Miller its red white and blue not red like in the libs world
Mike Fuston I must have missed that part of the Constitution that dealt with school dress codes. But, in retrospect, you're right Mike…there should be no pesky rules and regulations governing any of the childrens' actions. Just like the constitution says…let them do whatever they want, wear whatever they want, say whatever they want to whom ever they want. Don't like the teacher, 5 year old should just be able to say screw off…right? Any restriction put on the students is unconstitutional…right?
Mike Fuston I must have missed that part of the Constitution that dealt with school dress codes. But, in retrospect, you're right Mike…there should be no pesky rules and regulations governing any of the childrens' actions. Just like the constitution says…let them do whatever they want, wear whatever they want, say whatever they want to whom ever they want. Don't like the teacher, 5 year old should just be able to say screw off…right? Any restriction put on the students is unconstitutional…right?
Martin Miller so you have a problem of kids wearing a shirt that's in surrport of a group that help soilders that have been disabled fighting for your freedom. I think in this case they could have let it pass. It's just shows the hate towards the military.
Martin Miller so you have a problem of kids wearing a shirt that's in surrport of a group that help soilders that have been disabled fighting for your freedom. I think in this case they could have let it pass. It's just shows the hate towards the military.
Mike Fuston Ok, you win! That guy on TV was right…you can't fix stupid.
Rules are rules. As dumb ass as they may be.
And someday the rule will be you can only have one child. But rules are rules right?
I bet if it had "La Raza" on it everything would've been ok…..
That's when I send my kid the very next day with the t-shirt on top of the polo. Or have the shirt printed on one.
Active duty military here and, as much as I hate to say it, the school is right and the mom is wrong. We need to be as vocal about following rules as we are about insane political correctness. Thank God for schools with dress codes who are willing to enforce, no matter how "noble" this cause may seem. They could have asked for permission ahead of time, etc.
We all are expected to play by the rules. I too an a army mom and wife of war veterans. It is not about the message. it is about a known dress code. No doubt, this farther and husband is getting great Patriotic recognition and gratitude for his priceless sacrifice. Thank you sir! I salute you!
We all are expected to play by the rules. I too an a army mom and wife of war veterans. It is not about the message. it is about a known dress code. No doubt, this farther and husband is getting great Patriotic recognition and gratitude for his priceless sacrifice. Thank you sir! I salute you!
We have the opposite problem where my son attends school. He doesn't have to wear a collar but he can't wear anything that is related to or represents the military. His school is a private school run by a group of Mennonite churches. My husband is currently serving in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot and risks his life daily. Although it is frustrating to follow a dress code that is not supportive of our family, we just "grin and bear it."
We have the opposite problem where my son attends school. He doesn't have to wear a collar but he can't wear anything that is related to or represents the military. His school is a private school run by a group of Mennonite churches. My husband is currently serving in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot and risks his life daily. Although it is frustrating to follow a dress code that is not supportive of our family, we just "grin and bear it."
So this school doesn't allow kids to wear a t-shirt? Then the girls would have been fine if they'd had on a turtleneck or collared shirt under the t-shirt? And every "rule" doesn't have an exception?
First it's an exception for this child and that child and before you know it, there is no more dress code because everyone wants an exception to wear whatever the heck they want to.
First it's an exception for this child and that child and before you know it, there is no more dress code because everyone wants an exception to wear whatever the heck they want to.
Here's a little thought experiment: What happens if these kids show up in Obama 2012 collarless t-shirts?
Maybe the mom should find out, then we'd see in a damn hurry if this was actually about the military or not.
And yes, I read the dress code. I'm sure they selectively enforce it all the time too.
Here's a little thought experiment: What happens if these kids show up in Obama 2012 collarless t-shirts?
Maybe the mom should find out, then we'd see in a damn hurry if this was actually about the military or not.
And yes, I read the dress code. I'm sure they selectively enforce it all the time too.
Typical Todd Starnes. Accurate article title: "Young girls break school dress code, happen to be wearing pro-military shirts, mom makes a media circus out of it."