Oklahoma Kindergartener Refused Permission To Wear Michigan Shirt At School, Only OK College Apparel Allowed [Video]

Oklahoma City, OK – Cooper Barton was forced to turn his Michigan t-shirt inside out because the Oklahoma City Public Schools dress code allows only Oklahoma college apparel to be worn, according to The Blaze. Cooper and his mother Shannon Barton were less than thrilled about the actions taken when the 5-year-old wore a Michigan shirt to his Oklahoma elementary school, according to News 9.

Cooper Barton, 5, was allegedly told to go behind a tree on the playground and turn his Michigan t-shirt inside out. News 9 also reports the Oklahoma City Public Schools dress code prohibits professional team apparel from being worn by students, a policy enacted in 2005 in conjunction with the Oklahoma City Police Department Anti-Gang Task Force.

The Oklahoma college clothing only policy was enacted due to concerns that gangs used sports team apparel to represent various gang groups on a nationwide level.

“They should really worry about academics. It wasn’t offensive. He’s five,” Sharon Barton told News 9 after she was informed that her son could only wear an Oklahoma University or Oklahoma State University shirt to kindergarten class.

Due at least in part to Sharon Barton’s complaints about her son having to turn his Michigan t-shirt inside out at school, the policy is being reviewed. Oklahoma City Public Schools representative Tierney Tinnin told News 9 district superintendent Karl Springer also voiced concerns about the Oklahoma college only policy after the Cooper Barton Michigan shirt issue came to light. According to Tinnin’s comments, the Oklahoma City Public School superintendent is going to review the dress code policy, which the he allegedly feels may be outdated.

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