Is it gender discrimination for a school to prevent a boy from carrying a purse?
More specifically, in Massachusetts.
I'm asking this because I'm thinking of carrying around a bag to put stuff in (i.e. cellphone, CD player, Nintendo DS) and was wondering if I could use gender discrimination as a legal backup if I get in trouble.
Answers:
Just make sure it doesn't clash with your dress and shoes.
...i never heard of that happening, yet i never heard of a guy want to carry a purse
They sell man bags. Tell them that's what it is.
Why not just get a backpack ?
Unless you really want to carry around a purse :)
There's a difference between a bag (a small duffle bag, for instance) and a PURSE.
Why do you want a purse?
And, no, you can't use discrimination. The district can create any dress code rules they like.
Nope, that battle has been fought a long time ago and lost. Schools have a right to determine approprate dress for students and gender discrimination does not enter into the equation. Besides, the electronics you mentioned are prohibited in nearly every school district in the nation so the minute they reaized what was in it, your argument would be a dead issue.
In Massachusetts you'd probably win that one if the school even bothered to deny you the right to do that. But if you don't want to get a hard time over it why not just get one of those "fanny packs" that both genders use (unless it is pink)?
no they do this cause its smart.dont you think boys that brought purses to school,wont get picked on?
yes and go for it if they try anything.. there was a boy when i was in school that came in wearing a mini-skirt nylons and high heels... they called his parents and made him go home for the day unexcused.. that was so wrong.. i believe the kid made his statement..if the girls can why can`t he..he went to the superintendent with his parents and they gave him an excused for that day..
Get a "manbag" not a handbag.
Unless you attend a religious school you shouldn't have a problem.
What would make you think you would get in trouble? People carry backpacks during the day, yes? And girls carry purses. . .So, the school's guidelines wouldn't say anything that would imply you couldn't be carrying this during the day. . . .Only way that they could maybe get around it, would be if the items you were carrying inside, were against school rules (ie. does your school prohibit you from using a cell phone, etc). However, I'm sure if you look at the hand book, and general practice of what people are doing (male and female alike) you should be able to form an good judge from there. Moreover, you could always ask the dean of students, or principle, etc if you really feel you are being treated unfairly. I don't think it would be an issue.
No it is not a legal reason to yell discrimination. If your a guy, you may get a few giggles as you pass by, but as for as a boy carrying a purse like a female, expect some looks. Most males carry bags for this type equipment, but they never carry anything that looks like a purse that would be carried by a female. Why would any state, not just Massachusetts, care anyway, your choice to be giggled at are not. But you did specifically say purse, female term.
YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM..BUT TAKING YOUR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM TO SCHOOL IS TROUBLING...
Reminds me of the Seinfeld Episode regarding man purse...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=affqzty8vx8...
I am sure if you are not allowed to carry a bag, with items not outlawed at school, you could claim gender discrimination.
I think people here so far are misinterpreting your word "purse." I'm assuming that the type of bag you are intending to carry around is not a clutch purse from Coach, but rather a canvas multi-compartmental bag with adjustable strap, like this:
http://www.jansport.com/js_product_detai...
These are more commonly known as "manpurses" or "murses." They're becoming widely popular among guys in their upper teens to lower thirties. I'm a chick & I even prefer these types of bags to girlie purses. There's NOTHING WRONG with guys carrying these around!
To the original poster: If you see girls carrying purses around your school, & you get in trouble for carrying a canvas bag, I bet you could call them out on gender discrimination.
it would certainly set new precedent, and I am sure any attorney might be glad to argue it. But the fact is your school prohibits it, and you are clearly trying to supersede their authority. But in MA the discrimination laws are alot more wider developed than my state of Texas, so I would say.. yes it would be a good defense.
Find a girl that is carrying the kind of bag you want, and using it as a purse. Make sure the school officials allow her to use it. Then ask her where she got it and go get the same thing. Otherwise, your bag will be classified as one of the prohibited things. In act, I would recommend carrying a picture of the girl with the exact same bag.
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