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The topic of appropriate dress regulations for students has been in the headlines lately, both in Canada and abroad. Here's one I'd never have imagined before ... a university banning students from wearing military uniforms, and worse ... the kilt!
(well, as you can imagine, I've placed Cambridge on my banned list - I'll never consider studying there ... [/sarcasm off] ... chuckle)
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2005/03/26/972983-ap.html
Cambridge University causes row by banning kilts
LONDON (AP) - For centuries, Scotsmen have worn the pleated checkered garment into battle, on parade and at special events.
But now Cambridge University has banned Scottish students from wearing kilts at graduation ceremonies - sparking a row with traditionalists.
The university says it is banning national dress to underline that all students are equal.
But Scottish politicians are outraged.
"Instead of clamping down, they should be more flexible," fumed Jim Wallace, deputy first minister of the Scottish Executive in an interview published Saturday in The Scotsman newspaper.
"You must be able to combine the best of the traditional such as gowns and hoods with something that allows you, if you want to, to wear your national dress.
"As long as it is still dignified, then this should be allowed."
Kenny MacAskill, justice and home affairs spokesman of the nationalist Scottish National Party, labeled the ban "petty and very narrow-minded."
A university spokesman said graduation regulations had always stipulated traditional dress - trousers and ties for men, dresses or suits for women. But until now the rules had not really been enforced.
However, more and more people were now wearing kilts and army uniforms and the university had decided it was time to act.
"The Praelectors (graduation officials) found that just recently the breaches of their regulations had been more prolific and more extreme," he said.
"The underlying reason for the graduation ceremony is that you become a member of Cambridge University.
"Whether you are a Scottish member, a New Zealand member or an army one, you are all members of Cambridge University."
Several other British universities have already banned national dress. The spokesman said religious dress is not affected by the decision.
(well, as you can imagine, I've placed Cambridge on my banned list - I'll never consider studying there ... [/sarcasm off] ... chuckle)
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2005/03/26/972983-ap.html
Cambridge University causes row by banning kilts
LONDON (AP) - For centuries, Scotsmen have worn the pleated checkered garment into battle, on parade and at special events.
But now Cambridge University has banned Scottish students from wearing kilts at graduation ceremonies - sparking a row with traditionalists.
The university says it is banning national dress to underline that all students are equal.
But Scottish politicians are outraged.
"Instead of clamping down, they should be more flexible," fumed Jim Wallace, deputy first minister of the Scottish Executive in an interview published Saturday in The Scotsman newspaper.
"You must be able to combine the best of the traditional such as gowns and hoods with something that allows you, if you want to, to wear your national dress.
"As long as it is still dignified, then this should be allowed."
Kenny MacAskill, justice and home affairs spokesman of the nationalist Scottish National Party, labeled the ban "petty and very narrow-minded."
A university spokesman said graduation regulations had always stipulated traditional dress - trousers and ties for men, dresses or suits for women. But until now the rules had not really been enforced.
However, more and more people were now wearing kilts and army uniforms and the university had decided it was time to act.
"The Praelectors (graduation officials) found that just recently the breaches of their regulations had been more prolific and more extreme," he said.
"The underlying reason for the graduation ceremony is that you become a member of Cambridge University.
"Whether you are a Scottish member, a New Zealand member or an army one, you are all members of Cambridge University."
Several other British universities have already banned national dress. The spokesman said religious dress is not affected by the decision.
