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Schools
Principals decide: offensive or just artistic?
By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK
Published June 6, 2007
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The Pasco County School Board's new policy for employees is deceptively simple: "Visible body piercings and tattoos that are offensive to community standards will be restricted." Tattoos were done by Edward J. Leis at BodyAccessories, Inc. in Lutz.
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[Zach Boyden-Holmes | Times]
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Feet and arms are popular tattoo spots as shown by customers of Tattoos to Body Accessories Inc.
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A customer of Tattoos to Body Accessories Inc. shows off a tattoo on his neck.
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LAND O'LAKES - The Pasco County School Board's new policy for employees is deceptively simple: "Visible body piercings and tattoos that are offensive to community standards will be restricted." But what does it mean? Superintendent Heather Fiorentino says principals will get to decide. If they're not sure, they can call the district administration. She preferred not to dabble in what-ifs, saying guidance will come as situations arise. Her advice: "Though you may want something today, be sure it's something you'll want when you're 40. ... Your MySpace, your tattoo, your piercing, all that represents you, and what is the image that you want out there when you become an adult and when you seek employment?" Board Chairwoman Marge Whaley raised doubts about how the policy will be implemented, and wasn't even sure how it would apply to current employees. She said she hoped principals will discuss their plans. Whaley felt certain about one thing - bandages would not suffice in covering obscene tattoos. "An offensive tattoo is going to be offensive, period." Vice chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, who called herself conservative, wondered why anyone would want a tattoo, anyway. If they must, she said, "small and tasteful" should prevail. As for piercings, "No more than two per ear during school time," Starkey suggested. Whaley jumped in. Even two board members who generally get along fine disagree on this policy, which won unanimous approval. "That's why I'm concerned about this," Whaley said. Fast Facts: Voice your opinion What do you think? Where does the community standard lie? Is there a different one for New Port Richey than for Wesley Chapel or Dade City? Send your views to solochek@sptimes.com.
[Last modified June 6, 2007, 06:39:37]
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Comments on this article
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by Jessica
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11/15/07 08:52 AM
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I just think this is so dumb. People have the right to wear a tattoo if they want. This is supposes to be a free country you know. People should not be descriminated against just because they have a tat.
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by Trevor
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07/25/07 03:58 AM
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I can't believe the school board is actually wasting their time with this..tattooes are becoming more and more widely accepted in the working world everyday. All sorts of people have tattooes these days, even self-proclaimed "conservatives"!
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by Sean W
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06/24/07 02:38 PM
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Racist, Slanderous, Ecplicit, or Crude.. thats offensive. Hiding anything else is just sheltering children from something they're going to have to deal with anyways. Thats like saying "Don't wear red!" They're going to see it anyways, give it up.
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by Michelle K
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06/07/07 10:08 PM
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offensive is something that can maybe deemed racist or hurtful, but if it's not then who really cares? I am a manager of a busy store and my tattoo's have never held me back, or else I've nver came into contact with folk who think otherwise
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by Steve
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06/07/07 07:33 PM
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Because all that really matters in life is your employability. And all that really matters in your employability is your image. Who wants to hire someone who puts the principles of individuality and innovation over conforming to social standards?
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by Pauline
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06/07/07 06:38 PM
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My son has a beautiful tattoo that is a memorial to his deceased older brother. It gave him some sort of solace. Why would I want to take that from him? My uncle had a marine tattoo and so did my deceased son. Tattoos aren't against the law,ease up.
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by Joyce
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06/07/07 06:27 PM
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Has anyone asked Kathryn Starkey why anyone would want to be conservative, anyway? Our county and our country are made of individuals.
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by Deb
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06/07/07 06:25 PM
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I wish our School Board would spend as much time and energy on subjects that really matter. Is this meant to distract us from ACTUAL issues, like class size and funding? Let's keep this in mind come election day!
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by Teacher
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06/07/07 02:43 PM
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It all depends on the tattoo. If it is hateful, sexual, or crude, then it should not be seen in the classroom. As a Pasco County teacher, I am disappointed that our administration sees this topic as a priority for our district. How unfortunate!
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by Dorian
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06/07/07 12:27 AM
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I don't think that any of you are from a bloodline that did not modify their bodies in their history. And teachers with tats? If it gets the kids to pay attention I think ALL teachers should be tattooed. And I'm not a gangster or a redneck.
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by Mom
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06/06/07 11:31 PM
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This idea opens doors for other restricitions. How do you teach tolerance, but invade the right individuals expressing themselves? As long as it is not volugar, or offensive I see no issues with matter. One idea here, "freedom and liberty for all."
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by STEVE
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06/06/07 10:49 PM
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I have 3 tatoos..I work in a childrens hospital. not a gangster or redneck. So I guess you don't want me taking care of your child. grow up and great a grip.
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by PJ
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06/06/07 10:34 PM
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One more thing - to Laquisha: lawyers, preachers, celebrities and teachers all have tattoos! Just watch "Miami, Ink" to see the wide variety of folks and their personal reasons for getting tattooed. It's more meaningful and personal than you think.
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by PJ
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06/06/07 10:32 PM
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When I became a teacher, I KNEW I would be held to a higher standard in terms of behavior and appearance. Just as I wouldn't wear an offensive t-shirt to school, I wouldn't be display offensive tattoos but that doesn't mean I can't HAVE them! :)
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by Irritated.
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06/06/07 10:19 PM
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It's a shame Laquisha cannot spell the word tattoo correctly; even when it is in front of her face. I have tattoos, grew up in a middle class neighborhood from up north and am certainly NOT gangster or redneck. Review your stereotypes, please.
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by pascoite
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06/06/07 09:25 PM
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Hmmm... So I guess all the US Armed service veteran heroes that have their insignia on their forearm aren't moral enough to teach our children huh?
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by Giselle
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06/06/07 09:07 PM
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I may be old fashioned, but I think tatoos are tacky, cheap and sleazy. That is just my opinion, but I am a Corporate manager and a consumer of goods. I think the young folks really don't understand they are literaly branding themselves out of oppty.
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by Andrew
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06/06/07 07:26 PM
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Laquisha - I have an Ivy League degree, teach history, am married with kids and have a great big old tattoo. Redneck? Gangster? I bet you'd be mad if someone make generalizations about you based upon your name, huh? Let's not judge so quickly.
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by CRAIG
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06/06/07 07:07 PM
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Tattoos should not be visible to children- period.
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by Bill
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06/06/07 06:34 PM
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Eventually the kids will reject tattoos and piercings as something that belonged to an old geezer generation. But, hey, there are still people into the greaser thing. In the real world tattoos don't make, unless you want to french fries or teach.
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by Bill
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06/06/07 06:31 PM
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Eventually the kids will reject tattoos and piercings as something that belonged to an old geezer generation. But, hey, there are still people into the greaser thing. In the real world tattoos don't make, unless you want to french fries or teach.
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by Teacher
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06/06/07 05:24 PM
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Until the school board can enforce the disgusting way in which parents are allowed to send their kids to school dressed they should leave the teachers to police themselves. I have students with pet urine soaked clothes in class. Tattoos are minimal.
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by Jason
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06/06/07 05:05 PM
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Everyone sing along with me- "O'er the land of the FREE". Wait a minute. I guess we ammend that part to say "the land of those who measure up to community standards". Whatever that is. Exert your control while you can old folks, we're in charge next!
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by James
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06/06/07 04:32 PM
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Is teaching a profession or a job? If a profession there should be some standards, etc. The board shouldn't even have to write these down and waste its time but apparently they do. And, if students have a dress code teachers should also.
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by Mary
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06/06/07 04:25 PM
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Laquisha How do you know who is really teaching your children? Mine have told me more than I want to know about some of their teachers! Do we sit & listen in classes daily? Adults all share a responsibility to teach whether they accept it or not.
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by Mary
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06/06/07 04:14 PM
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Offensive is offensive no matter where it's posted! Who makes the decision is the critical factor. This is just another rung on the downward spiral in which society as a whole is choosing to operate. Each generation is different. COVER & NO 1 KNOWS!
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by Laquisha
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06/06/07 04:09 PM
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Tatoos are for gangsters and rednecks. Are those the people you want teaching your kids... I think not!
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by teacher
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06/06/07 04:03 PM
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I am a Pasco teacher who has more than 2 earrings in each ear,and has tattoos. Everything is open to being "tasteful."
If the teachers can't wear them, we might as well tell the parents to cover all theirs in front of the kids also. What a riot.
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by James
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06/06/07 03:43 PM
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Come out from your own worlds. The school board is well within their legal rights to establish this rule. A lawsuit would lose quickly; look at the precedent. Should they?- another matter. "teacher" if you are, your attitude harms your profession.Sad
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by Gabester
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06/06/07 03:39 PM
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This is very sad that the board of education would waste their time on this subject. What about the truly pressing concerns like fair payment for the teachers, additional class rooms not located in a trailer/storage shed, etc.
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by jack s
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06/06/07 03:02 PM
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Todd: what a great testimony, its comforting to know even doctors can be irresponsible idiots. i wonder if he is an organ donor?
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by DucknAndaDodgn
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06/06/07 02:49 PM
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Tattoos are a crude way of identification. I prefer, an implanted micro-chip for identification in the unfortunate, "New World Order."
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by Stephanie
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06/06/07 02:48 PM
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I'm a christian conservative republican teacher w/ 2 tats. I'm also 36 and don't regret either of them. I simply love the art of tattoing, nothing else. My principal told me, "People pay good money to get their kids away from people like you."
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by Jeremy
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06/06/07 02:22 PM
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Something else you folks might want to consider is that most of the information you are basing your "facts" on comes from the "old establishment". As we young people become "leaders", what is considered acceptable conduct and material will change.
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by Terri
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06/06/07 02:08 PM
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Maybe the focus should be on hiring good teachers and paying them a decent salary instaed of worrying about tattoos. How about the way Ms. Lafave dressed in front of her students? That certainly wasn't made an issue of, was it? Tattoos??? get real
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