Band (Banned) Shirts
It was brought to my attention at the last Student Council meeting that there is a desire among some students to know more about the reasons for the prohibition of wearing band shirts at school.
The only reference to the rule is found in the “Personal Appearance” section of the High School Student handbook. “At all times on campus and at off-campus school-sponsored events . . . no clothing and accessories featuring tobacco or alcohol products, illegal drugs, or commercial bands” [shall be worn].
A similar restriction was in place back when I attended high school here in the 1980s. I remember having to store some of my shirts for summer use or visits home. Perhaps it is unfortunate that “commercial bands” is grouped with tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Most students would probably agree that three items should not be promoted in clothing worn by high school students at a school. But why the prohibition on band shirts?
I must confess that I have owned and still own several commercial band shirts. I enjoy a wide variety of music (other than country) and like to wear shirts, some of them with band names or logos on them. I would have liked to know the reason for the rule myself when I was in high school. I need to remember that although it seems like I’ve been explaining this rule every year, I’m really explaining it to a new group of students who might find the rule odd or even annoying.
When students ask me about musical groups that I like, I’m careful to qualify my answer with words something to this effect: “I like a lot of their music, but I haven’t heard all their songs,” or “I like some of their songs, but I don’t support what the lyrics say in others.” Why do I say that? Because I don’t want to give my stamp of approval to bands that may have some messages that contradict my faith.
It is not the intent of the faculty in making this rule to condemn all commercial bands. It is just that with all the new groups and music coming out all the time, we (the faculty) don’t want to research all the bands and all of their lyrics to determine if their message is appropriate to be advertising at our Christian school. As Prof. Sullivan would say, “It is a rule of expediency.” That is, it is a rule we have in place to prevent having to make judgments regarding every band shirt that students choose to wear. It is practical. It saves time.
When students are at home their parents can determine what clothing they feel is appropriate for their children to wear. Parents’ opinions may vary greatly in this regard. You should also note that the rule specifies commercial bands. We have had ILC students who have formed bands and have made shirts featuring those bands. We don’t prohibit the wearing of those shirts. We certainly approve of the wearing of ILC Tour Choir shirts. When Rose and Faith officially announce their duo, I’m sure a lot of you will be wearing their clothing line to show your support.
Feel free to see me in my office if you have any further questions. Maybe we can enjoy a few tunes from the 80s on my phonograph.
Prof Lau
(Technically a band shirt.....)