Unless their dress code specifically states that boys can't wear skirts and/or high heels then that is not against the dress code. The hat might be though, since many schools don't allow hats to be worn in school. But any dress code I've seen at any of the schools my children have attended do not specify gender specific clothing to be worn only on that gender.

I think the school is using that as an excuse because they (and possibly some students) are uncomfortable with the boys clothing choices.

On the other hand, I can see that it could be distracting in a classroom simply because it's not "the norm".

I feel very sorry for this boy as he is now missing out on a very basic right and that is the right to a free education.

I think schools need to take a hard look at their dress codes and the enforcement of said codes. I've seen far worse things worn by other students that aren't being handled than what this boy is wearing. As much as I like the children to be able to dress how they wish, maybe it would be better for schools to go to uniforms. On the other hand, in most public schools that we've attended that did have "uniforms" it was usually just khaki pants and a polo top (usually in 2 or 3 color choices only), and that to me is forcing some girls who like to dress more femininely to dress in a more masculine manner.

Basically, I'm torn on the bigger picture, but I truly feel sorry for this boy and I hope the issue gets resolved and he can return to school.

I think they're being too conservative. This kid has a good chance of growing up to be transgendered, or at least gay - and needs to be protected.

I do agree with what the school. In this day and age, all of these kids are trying to grow up too fast. Weather they are straight or not, I don't believe dressing up in wig's should even be allowed in school's period. (Maybe for Halloween) Nothing, wrong with what you decide sexually but, I certainly do not want my kids around AT school. We deal with this stuff ALL over the media, world and maybe at home. But, why expose our young kids to it at school? I have no problem with ANYONE who choose to live there life the way they want but, I do not want it around my kids. Why confuse them and try to answer the question's of why do boy's like boy's? Why do boy's dress like girl's to a 7 yr old because a kid dresses that way in school. It should not be allowed in school's. To me that is all dress up nonsense that honestly if no kid can dress up with wig's and costumes to go to school on any given day then why should they be any different? That is why we have rules. That goes, for Goth's, emo, girl's, boy's, WHATEVER. School is for our young to get an education not to play dress up.

School is supposed to be a safe environment for everyone. Where better to learn about diversity than at (a public) school?

Oh it's a guy !!
Well... It's odd, okay, but we must say it's way better than girls wearing unconveniant clothes, like short skirts, tiny tops.... He's classy like this !

I teach in Georgia, and this is the last thing this state needs. We should be preaching the importance of education, not concentrating on who wears what. There is a huge difference between a shirt that says something like "Drink and Drive, b*tches" or a shirt that has naked girls playing with a sex toy. This is just a case of a kid who feels comfortable dressing in a woman's clothes. I would personally not have a problem with this, and do not feel the school should either. However, this is the deep south, and it's notorious for being completely conservative and usually has issues accepting something that is out of the norm.

Teachers (and the administrators) should be showing the students that not everyone is like them. How else will they learn acceptance? It's hard to teach and old dog new tricks. These students will not learn tolerance as they get older especially if they are surrounded by people who are intolerant.

Sure, it would cause a commotion if teachers and the administrators tried to push it under the rug. What should they do? If the students are all in a twist over cross-dressing, bring in some cross-dressers to speak to the students. Bring in anyone who is willing to talk about it. Information is what these kids in conservative states (and everywhere else) need. There would be no upset or commotion if the students knew that people are going to be different, some guys will dress like women, some women will dress like men, and they are going to have to get over it.

I have no problem with the way he's (she's? I'm not sure what his/her preferred pronoun is) dressing. (Although, Kim, I did also question if the hat would be allowed. However, I'm sure that if that was the only issue, he would have simply stopped wearing hats.)

Anonymous, he is not "playing dress-up." As spacekat noted, there's a good chance that this individual is transgendered. A lot of trans people know that they are gender incongruous from a very young age. I also don't understand (and will never understand, no matter how many times people try to explain it to me) the need that you and many others seem to feel to shield children from trans people, gay people, etc. To me, when you try to shield children from something, you are automatically telling them that there's something wrong with the thing you are trying to shield them from. I guess it all stems from the fact that I will never understand why people feel it's so wrong to be gay, transgendered, etc. (Although, if this student identifies as a female and is attracted to males, I suppose she wouldn't be gay. It's so hard to put labels on these things sometimes!)

After living for several years in the south, I'm not surprised by this school's reaction. The south is deeply conservative and they have no problem openly attacking the LGBT community, no matter what age the individual. I feel sorry for this boy.

Where I lived in the south, parents protested anti-bully clauses in the schools that included LGBT because it's a sin to be gay and they feel it's their children's right to bully kids who are sinning. This kind of mentality is sickening because parents who okay bullying or want to separate/segregate their children from having contact with the LGBT children are just instilling intolerance in their children. It's the school's duty to teach acceptance and tolerance rather than encourage isolation of certain individuals.

I think that this kid could cross dress without being so flamboyant about it, I am sure his way of dressing is too distracting (big wigs, hat, etc)

It does not matter what this kid thinks he is, he could be whatever he wants. But, yes he is playing dress up and No it should not be accepted in school for anyone. As for "lilkimbo" if you have kids you would want to shield them from the world until they are old enough to understand. Why would I want to expose my kids to a life style I do no to live. Does not mean they will not know sooner or later. So, please do not tell me what I should and should not do with MY KIDS. I respect all who wish to live there lives anyway they want. Does not mean I live it that way.
I have always, thought ALL schools should have dress codes for or wear uniforms for these reasons. No one will be seen different. Kids are there to learn and get an education, anything that distracts kids from learning should not be accepted. No exceptions.

I didn't tell you what to do with YOUR kids. I said that I don't understand your point of view. I'm glad you chose to attack me instead of further explaining it; you helped prove my point.

Additionally, I feel there is something seriously wrong with a high schooler who is "not old enough to understand" that there are people who cross dress.

I'm sure this point will be lost on you, but by saying that this person can't live the way he chooses, you are forcing your beliefs on to him, not the other way around.

What big wigs? Looks like a bob to me. Its not RuPaul hair, its hair that any other girl could have. I agree about that hats (because no one should be allowed to wear hats), but I just don't see his choices as "flamboyant". Heels? Most girls wear them. Tops with a blazer? Hard to get a regular girl to cover up that much. Jeans? Everybody wears those. He's not wearing crazy amounts of makeup or jewelry.
I say let him rock on!

And, I see that you don't understand my point about him not playing dress up. It is not what he thinks he is; it is what he is. I'm always astounded at the general lack of understanding of what being transgendered means.

Oh, and I don't have kids at this point, but I do have a niece and nephew and I don't want to shield them from homosexuality, etc., because, as I stated, it gives them the impression that there is something wrong with it.

I think he is fierce. Kids should be able to express themselves freely. He's not hurting anyone by dressing this way, they should leave him alone.

He looks classy. Hat aside, I'd wear that outfit. Honestly, some parents shield their children too much from the outside world. In a simple analogy, if a parent shielded their child too much from germs, dirt, and the like, the child would likely develop some sort of intolerance, an allergy. The parent ended up doing their child more harm than good. Same applies to lazy parents who don't teach their children about diversity. The children tend to develop an intolerance to what is different. You can have strong morals and still be accepting of others and their lifestyles.

Ok,, a niece and nephew are not the same.So talk to me when you do have kids. Maybe then you can understand my view. No, I didn't attack I simply said, You would shield them if you had "kids".(I did not mean at high school age either.) How do you explain to a 2 year old what a transgender is with out confusing them? So, please explain if you are so astounded at the lack of understanding.
We live in a harsh world this day in age, weather you choose to be different that is your choice but, every one is entitled to their own opinions and this is where all the negativity starts. Not everyone will complete agree with it. As sad it is it.
In MY opinion it starts in our schools. If ALL schools had strict dress codes this would not be an issue.

No, I will never understand intolerance. Additionally, absolutely hate when someone uses their children (or anything else) to invalidate someone else's opinion. What if I said, "Talk to me when you are transgendered."

And the high school comment was in reference to the original article, which is about a high school student.

And I am astounded that you don't seem to understand that he is not "playing dress-up." I just don't know how else to explain it, since I can't explain to someone over the Internet what it means to be transgendered; it's something that requires a lot more in-depth explanation. But, since you keep referring to this as a choice, it is clear that you don't understand.

Again, you keep saying that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, which is great! But, you are the one here who thinks that your opinion should reflect how others live their lives, so I guess what you mean is everyone is entitled their lives their lives as they see fit, as long as you and your children don't have to be around them.

"If ALL schools had strict dress codes this would not be an issue. "

I don't have a problem with schools having strict dress codes, but it should be the same for males and females. If a boy wants to wear a skirt, it should be OK as long as it meets minimum length requirements, etc.

The funny thing is that kids will talk about him when they first experience his interesting style, but after a week tops they will just accept it and continue on with their usual school day. It's the administration and parents that force these ideals on the students. If he wasn't breaking the dress code in the sense that he was following what girls are required to wear (no strapless shirts, no shorts, no hats, etc), then I don't see a problem. School is all about learning and growing to prepare for the real world. In life you just might very well have a gay boss or date someone who's best friend is gay, why would you shield your children from learning about differences between people while they can? It's just harming them and hurting an innocent child's feelings at the same time. Truly disappointing.

I support the teen.

Anonymous, I have to agree with lilkimbo here.

It's my opinion that you're displaying some real intolerance in the thinly disguised veil of "protecting your children." It's really about your discomfort and prejudice.

I'd encourage you to try to talk to your kids about it, but if you're referring to it as a choice - you're only going to misinform them.

I also agree with lilkimbo. And we're not talking about having to explain it to a 2 year old, we're talking about teens very closely approaching adulthood. 2 year olds play dress up, teens dress to how it fits their style and personality.

Most schools do have strict dress codes, they're just not always strictly enforced.

And if one is trying to shield her children from the world, then maybe public school is not the best option for that family.

You know, I agree with almost everyone. Girls can wear disgustingly slutty clothing, but a guy cannot dress like a classy respectful girl? Wigs cannot be banned, because what about people who have gone through cancer as a child and don't have the hair to cover their head? What about children who have diseases that affect their hair and make it uncomfortable for them to be without a wig in public?

I mean the boy isn't dressing like lady gaga!
He's wearing
a) natural, GOOD, makeup (the kind most 16 year old GIRLS cannot achieve)
b) appropriate clothing. No skin is being revealed, nothing is popping out.

the only things I can see that could be really truly leered at, are the hat, and the height of those heels. My high school (here in ca) had a heel height rule. You couldn't wear platform heels to school. dances, sure, but not to class.

As say cheers to the kid, and i hope he wins this battle.

School is important, but he can always go to community college!

also, anonymous?
"why would i want to expose my child to a life style that I do not live?"

do you oppose teaching your children the history of places they do not live?
or languages you do not speak? Would you want your children to learn nothing of the world and not no anything but the town they live in?

To do so would be very selfish of you, and would rob your children of the chance to be educated, cultured, intelligent people.

not no.. I cannot believe I just typed that..

*not Know.

Wow, Anon really shocked me with the depth of the intolerance of that comment...

I'm just going to throw another "Go lilkimbo" into the ring. You phrased it really well.

I agree with most. If he's not doing anything the girls aren't doing I don't see the problem. I also don't think that transgender or gay people should be something we shield our children from. I also don't have children. I do have a nephew. I know they're not the same, but I wouldn't protect my children from something and not him. I love the kid. Honestly I was watching some wedding show while babysitting him and there happened to be two men getting married and planning their wedding. I'll admit that I thought for a second about changing the channel in case he asked an awkward question or in case my sister wouldn't want him to see. But then I remembered that I don't believe she would want him raised to be prejudiced and they weren't doing anything but planning a wedding. I just figured if I don't make a big deal, he won't have a reason to either. He actually did go on to talk about getting married and from what I gathered he didn't really get what it was about yet anyway.
And this guy is in high school. Kids at that age know that transgender people exist. I don't think many know the facts though. I think that banning his dress will make the problem worse. He may be distracting, but so are a lot of people. If he's not disrespectful then I don't get the problem. And seriusly, he's better at doing his makeup than I was at that age.

Just have to add that I'm watching Andrew Zimmern and in Sulawesi it's apparently a gift to have both gender parts and there are many people who dress in the opposite sex. Thought it was ironic that it's on right now.

I hate these anonymous posts! If you got the guts to display your intolerance and stupidness like that, stand up and do so under you name!

I just have to agree with everythink lilkimbo said. Oh and 'talk to me when you have children'?? I have a daughter and I certainly want her exposed to my friend who happens to be gay. Just as I want her to get to know people of different cultures, races etc. I want her to grow up to not judge people on things they cannot change but by their personality!

Here in Germany this wouldn't be a big deal though. At least not with the school. We don't have dress codes written down, it would probably be illegal to forbid him to wear girl's clothes. Of course he would hve to deal with classmated bullying him, but that's just because idiots are raising them to hate on gays/transgenders!

Thanks, poisson and others.

And ali, that sounds interesting. I'll have to try to catch it some time.

I agree with lilkimbo that this boy is just expressing himself, but I don't think it is just about supporting him in is expression, this is unconstitutional. If the school says he can't wear a skirt, then no one should be able to wear a skirt, if the school says he can't wear a wig, then no one should be able to wear a wig, etc. The boy wasn't causing a disruption, the school caused the disruption by restricting the boys freedom of expression so much that he felt compelled to drop out.

After taking media law in college, I realized all of the rights high school and college students have that some how get "skipped over" in the curriculum. Its sickening.

I also agree with pretty much everyone and with whitneydiane. If the school doesn't like any girls wear skirts, then this boy shouldn't wear a skirt. It's also necessary to start implementing more tolerance and diversity in these schools. This boy obviously might decide to be transgendered some day and the school should respect that.

Sure, I'll talk to you (lil kimbo) anytime? you are correct everyone is entitled to live their lives, as they see fit. I would love to hear your in-depth explanation. Anytime,,honestly.
But, for now, no you ALL misunderstood when I said I would shield my children. I have little one's, and no I don't believe I have to explain to them what this means NOW but, If and when they do ask I would tell them and I would be honest. But, for now it's not the case. All your opinions will be taken well into consideration on my behalf, because knowledge is power!!!
As for Starbucks, I have gut's where is your name I must have missed it displayed as well. Anyways, I also have gay friends and they come around to visit. Plus,a few of my clients are gay as well. They are all great and kind people, I'm just not gay. That is just me, I don't hate them or discriminate against them in anyway. I just may not understand. You all just read all the negative things. Why not educate before you start bashing. Not everyone is well educated on these issues.
My point is still this, schools should have strict dress codes for kids if they do not want kids dressing different. Maybe this kid would still be in school. I feel bad for this kid,,,he/she cannot get an education because of how he dresses, it's sad.

Anon, why don't you register and I'll send you a lengthy pm explaining what it means to be transgendered. As I stated, it's not something that can be explained well through the format. Actually, it's something that's difficult to explain at all through something like the Internet. If you're truly interested in learning more about it, you should seek out some books, documentaries, etc. 20/20 did a show about being transgendered about a year ago. That would probably be a good place to start.

And, I don't really know how else to say it, but don't you see that by stating that this kid shouldn't be able to express his gender as he sees fit, you are discriminating against him?

No, I don't see how I am discriminating against him? I don't recall saying he shouldn't express his gender. All I said, was dress codes in schools should be strict. Maybe you miss understood. I see it this way, with all kids (boys&girls) dressing the same in uniforms (let's just say.) Who will pick on him, if he has the same clothes on as his classmates. Now, weather it's a skirt or not, he can make that decision himself. I don't mean because, he dresses like a female, it applies to all gang's colors, girl's dressing inappropriate, wearing t-shirts that are graphic, ect. School is where our children get an education nothing else. He is free to dress how ever he sees fit but, unfortunately this kid will no longer go to school because of his clothing? How is that a good outcome.
I will register.

I didn't misunderstand, you're changing your tune late in the game.

Your original reasoning dealt with not having to explain to your children that there are people of different sexuality and you have suddenly chosen to focus on your dress code idea, which was initially mentioned in passing. I can only hope that you have genuinely changed your mind.

I am not changing my tune, I do see your views maybe changed my view of things a little. But, I did state previously " I don't believe, I should explain to them what this mean NOW, but if and when they ask I would tell them and I would be honest."

OK, then you are trying to restrict the way someone else should live, plain and simple.

That's me, anon by the way, became a member to get a little more educated.

I meant my kids, no anyone else. When my kids are old enough and should ask I would tell them. Don't get it twisted.

I'm not getting anything twisted. By saying your kids can't be exposed to this in a public school, you are saying he can't dress like this in a public school.

You're the one who is trying to twist things around, but nice try at subtly attacking me again.

Who's the attaker here,, me or you? I already did this song and dance time to move on. Not everyone is going to have the similar views or opinions and you do. I did say I see your views and you changed mine. Anything else you want to attack ME on?

Amc, I'm not attacking you in the least. I'm sorry you're getting so defensive. Maybe you're too in the moment and you should step back and read this tomorrow or the next day, once you've had some time to cool off.

opps,, I meant opinions as you do.

Not upset. I am done discussing no point in dragging this on and getting upset, I had some different views and you changed some and I'm glad you did. If you can change one persons views with communication imagine what can happen to a whole community if people would stop and communicate instead of fighting.

Good, I'm glad you're not upset!

I'm at work now, but I'll pm you this weekend with some interesting links if you'd like!

That would be great thanks. Have a great day!!!

I think he looks great!

Glad to see that this comments section is doing some good in the world.