PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Johnny Damon, David Beckham, Big Papi, David Ross, Lebron James, Richard Branson, George Lucas, Steve Jobs, Brad Pitt, Abraham Lincoln and … Chris Carroll.
While the latter may not have the same name recognition as the others, Chris Carroll said he does have something in common with the successful athletes and businessmen: they all have/had facial hair.
Carroll, a bearded senior at Presque Isle High School, addressed the SAD 1 board during the public comment portion of the March 11 meeting asking directors to consider changing what he considers to be a “senseless rule.”
In the 2014-15 Student Parent Handbook, which can be found on the district’s website, it states under “Policies Governing Interscholastic Participation” that, “in order to create a sense of team unity, camaraderie, loyalty, discipline, a team-over-self ethic, and a positive team image, school administration may set reasonable standards for the appearance of participants. This includes but is not limited to length of hair, facial hair, visible tattoos, visible body piercing, and wearing of jewelry and hats.”
In outlining his argument, Carroll explained that his ski season this year started off just like any other.
“I went to the first practice just like everybody else and the season continued on through November. At the beginning of December, I was called into the main office and complimented on my leadership of the team, and dedication for the past three years as one of the top skiers and leaders,” he said. “I was then told by an administrator that if I would want to remain on the ski team, I had three days to shave, and not to go to practice until I did.
“On Tuesday, Dec. 2, I filed two formal complaints with the main office of the high school — one requesting a review of the rule by the school board and definition of ‘reasonable standards,’ and the other against the athletic department for ongoing harassment toward myself as this has occurred in years past of similar issues. A third letter given was addressed to the principal asking that an injunction be granted until a time at which I could present my case to the school board, which was subsequently denied,” said Carroll, who is also the president of the school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter. “I am here tonight to make you aware of two things: one, the interpretation of a one-sided policy that is in no way ‘reasonable’ to its male students, and secondly, the inappropriate and unprofessional behavior of the administration handling this.”
Carroll asserts that after he filed the formal complaint against the athletic office, he was called into the main office that same day and seated across from “the four top, high school officials in an effort of intimidation.”
“One of whom the complaint listed, and I was not asked my side of the story or how I was being discriminated against, but instead told how I wasn’t being discriminated against by the person that was subject of the complaint,” he told the directors. “All of which violates the student handbook complaint handling and discrimination procedure. Do you believe this was an appropriate way to handle this, or should the school just subjectively follow the rules in which they have set out before themselves?”
After being denied an injunction to waive the enforcement of the rule until he could present his case, Carroll said he wanted to remain on the team and was “forced to change the way I look to suit one person’s opinion of a ‘reasonable appearance.’”
“After this I began to think, who is the school to tell me what I can and cannot look like? As far as the rule being specific to sports, in what way does it affect my ability to ski? Or to play tennis, or any sport for that matter?” he said. “Being an athlete should be about the spirit of the game itself, and not worrying everyday about getting called into the office and told you can’t play because your hair is too long, you forgot to shave the past couple days, you can’t have your picture taken with the team, or that your soccer cleats don’t fit the school colors.
“In regards to skiing specifically, if you didn’t know what color my shin guards were (bright orange), you wouldn’t know who I was. But somehow my appearance under my helmet, facemask, and head sock still matters to administrators who aren’t even there?” said Carroll. “In the five skiing events I attended this year, not once was a member of the high school administration ever present. But yet at every basketball game I attended, there they were.”
Carroll said after Christmas he was again given the ultimatum of either shaving or not playing the sport he loves and has done since he was 4 years old.
“Who wants to be in that position? Either do what you love, or drastically change something about yourself?” he said. “Unfortunately I was forced to side with my individuality over a fourth full year of being a top varsity skier.”
Carroll implored that directors to do two things.
“Change this senseless rule, which is completely up to interpretation however the administration sees fit, and actually list out the reasonable expectations in a non-subjective manner, or do away with this ridiculous interpretation completely,” he said. “I also ask that the school board look closely at the conduct of the parties involved with this instance.
“Do we want to be known as a school who discriminates against its students? A school that tells its players how they are to look on a daily basis? One that cares more about how they look than how they feel? One that tries to intimidate players into silence when they disagree with something?” asked Carroll. “I am someone who does not believe in silence. I believe in standing up for not only my rights, but the rights of others who will come after me. This is not about just me; this is not a singular problem. This affects — and is felt by — the entire student body because in a time where we preach individuality, we preach tolerance, we encourage students to stand out, to make a difference, to impact society, to be positive in living, to work hard, to dare to be different … we are moving forward. It was not long ago that men couldn’t wear shorts to school, there was a teacher’s smoking room, and girls had to have a separate gym. Things change, and with it, rules change, too. I am here tonight to tell you, it is time for a change.”
As is customary, the board did not directly respond to Carroll’s concerns. However, should a director request to discuss the matter, it will appear on a future school board agenda.
