Good stuff.
From Citizen-Times.com:
Bryan Killian doesn’t think that’s a fair reaction to his decision to come to North Buncombe High School wearing an eye patch and an inflatable cutlass.
The sophomore spent Wednesday at home after an administrator took issue with his accessories.
Buncombe County Schools says the eye patch was disruptive to classroom instruction. The student’s refusal to take it off after four warnings led to discipline, the district said.
“I feel like my First Amendment was violated,” Killian, 16, said. “Freedom of religion and freedom of expression. That’s what I tried to do, and I got shot down.”
Freedom of religion?
Yes, Killian says, his “pirate regalia” is part of his faith — the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
On April 6th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
News » Local News
Pirate returns to school with eye patch in pocket
by Adam Behsudi
published March 30, 2007 12:15 am
Read all 49 comments » e-mail this Print this
Weaverville – A hero’s welcome is not usually reserved for a pirate.
But for Bryan Killian, an eye-patch-wearing, pasta-worshiping North Buncombe High School student, an applause awaited him at his first period class Thursday.
Killian, 16, had been suspended Wednesday after he refused to take off his eye patch, which he says is part of his faith in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Web Extras: Multimedia & Related Content
North Buncombe High School student Bryan Killian talks about being suspension for wearing his pirate regalia to school. He feels that his freedom of religion and freedom of expression were violated. (2,688 KB)
Email from Bryan Killian regarding his suspension and his involvement with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. (17 KB)
Statement from Buncombe County Schools regarding the disciplinary action against North Buncombe High student Bryan Killian. (29 KB)
School: Pirates are not welcome
North Buncombe student suspended for pirate attire
The official Web site of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
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“Today I brought it with me and kept it in my pocket,” Killian said.
The eye patch even made an appearance, he said, during one class where a teacher permitted him to wear it during an exam.
Buncombe County Schools said the eye patch was disruptive to classroom instruction and Killian was disciplined after refusing to take it off on multiple occasions.
“I think it was very unfair,” said friend Evan Maas.
Maas said school returned to normal Thursday but said most students thought the whole ordeal was silly.
But Killian, although initially defiant, said a line was clearly drawn in the sand.
He’s not going to don the eye patch again at school until he’s told it would be allowed.
“I really don’t want to get suspended again,” he said.
“I guess I’ll continue to let them oppress me.”
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Contact Adam Behsudi at 828-232-5962, via e-mail at abehsudi@ashevill.gannett.com
go to> Google> Asheville Citizen Times (searchword> pirate) to review 49 comments
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770329106
On April 6th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Go to Google> Asheville Citzen Times (searchword> pirate)
“A Hero’s Welcome for Pirate..”
w/ 49 comments from readers…