thedrifter
09-25-08, 06:40 AM
Military uniform banned in schools?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 8:33 PM
By Walter Perez
WVPI.com
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - Should schools bend the rules and let servicemen and
women who come to speak wear their uniforms in this post-911 world?
Duane and Eileen Longfellow of Doylestown beam with pride when they talk
about their son, Duane Jr, who's a Lance Corporal in the Marines.
That's why they were deeply offended when their son, who was on leave at
the time, was invited to speak at a Bucks County high school about his
military experience, but was turned away because he arrived wearing his
"dress blues."'
After Eileen told this story to other military families, and officials
in Harrisburg, she was even more offended to learn this was not an
isolated case.
"It's not about a school or a person, this is a problem that is
occurring statewide. 17 senators say that it is happening in their
districts," Eileen Longfellow said.
Now, those lawmakers are backing a bill introduced yesterday by
Doylestown State Senator Chuck McIlhenney that would allow the state to
slap a $500 fine on any school official who kicks a soldier or Marine
off school property simply because he or she is wearing their military
uniform.
Dr. Lisa Andrejko, Superintendent of Quakertown Schools, says she
supports the proposed legislation, but understands how in the
post-Columbine era, a school could err on the side of caution.
"It's not against the official United States Military, it's to say we
don't want people affiliated with organizations that are not maybe gangs
or, as I said, para-military organizations," Dr. Andrejko said.
Duane Longfellow Sr., whose brother was killed serving in Vietnam, says
he simply hopes it never happens again.
"I think the servicemen, if anything else, they deserve our utmost
respect and admiration," Duane Longfellow said.
The proposal is quickly gaining bipartisan support in Harrisburg, but
still no word on if Governor Rendell backs it as well.
Ellie
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 8:33 PM
By Walter Perez
WVPI.com
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - Should schools bend the rules and let servicemen and
women who come to speak wear their uniforms in this post-911 world?
Duane and Eileen Longfellow of Doylestown beam with pride when they talk
about their son, Duane Jr, who's a Lance Corporal in the Marines.
That's why they were deeply offended when their son, who was on leave at
the time, was invited to speak at a Bucks County high school about his
military experience, but was turned away because he arrived wearing his
"dress blues."'
After Eileen told this story to other military families, and officials
in Harrisburg, she was even more offended to learn this was not an
isolated case.
"It's not about a school or a person, this is a problem that is
occurring statewide. 17 senators say that it is happening in their
districts," Eileen Longfellow said.
Now, those lawmakers are backing a bill introduced yesterday by
Doylestown State Senator Chuck McIlhenney that would allow the state to
slap a $500 fine on any school official who kicks a soldier or Marine
off school property simply because he or she is wearing their military
uniform.
Dr. Lisa Andrejko, Superintendent of Quakertown Schools, says she
supports the proposed legislation, but understands how in the
post-Columbine era, a school could err on the side of caution.
"It's not against the official United States Military, it's to say we
don't want people affiliated with organizations that are not maybe gangs
or, as I said, para-military organizations," Dr. Andrejko said.
Duane Longfellow Sr., whose brother was killed serving in Vietnam, says
he simply hopes it never happens again.
"I think the servicemen, if anything else, they deserve our utmost
respect and admiration," Duane Longfellow said.
The proposal is quickly gaining bipartisan support in Harrisburg, but
still no word on if Governor Rendell backs it as well.
Ellie