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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Teacher Tattoos Outlawed in MO

A school district in Joplin, Missouri has forbidden teachers from having any visible tattoos. According to the AP article:
Teachers were previously required to wear clothing that “minimizes” tattoos, but it did not prohibit part or all of the tattoo from showing. Board members appeared to be unanimous about tattoos being inappropriate in a classroom setting and authorized the policy change. Board member Jeff Flowers said, “There’s a stigma associated with (tattoos), and it’s not a good stigma.” Full article
This seems a little over-the-top to me. I'm not advocating tattooing the periodic table to your forehead, but I'm wary of any time the word "forbid" gets thrown around, esp. when it is a government official (public school superintendent being a govt-paid position) doing the "forbidding."

Depending on the day's activities, teaching can be a pretty interactive job. I can see how a tattoo on your arm, ankle, shoulder or hip that typically wouldn't be seen could peak out. According to these new rules, is that a firable offense? Do the rules of common sense still apply? Will the district insurance cover laser-removal?

What do you think: Does the district have a right to outlaw tattoos? Post your own tattoo or district dictate stories in comments or take the poll!

5 comments:

Christy said...

That is ridiculous! If anything it shows students that teachers are human, which is not a bad thing. I think sometimes kids need to see themselves and the people they know in their teachers. I work with someone who has peircings and dread locks, (she's a woman)I thought this was a bit extreme, but her kids love her and she's a wonderful teacher.

Emily said...

period table tattoo...now we are onto something!

emily said...

periodic table, that is.

Ms. Sturr said...

Holy Cow! Teachers and principals are people with private lives. what does having a tatt have to do with it? My principal got hers for her 40th birthday. I say go for it! I don't see the problem at all. It is suppose to be illegal for kids to get them anyway.

Anonymous said...

no one is saying that educators can't have tatoos, just that they can't display them. I have one, and don't see a problem with it (not displaying it). We are to be positive role models. Society is deteriorating at the speed of light as it is. We as educators don't need to help the speed.