i think if we permit behavior like this then let all other take a picture as a cowboy, policeman, firefighter, stripper,drag-queen etc its not a halloween party...the school has the rights to set standards....we couldnt wear hats in HS

I'd like an explanation from the Principal as to how a photograph of a student holding a sword violates the school's 'zero tolerance' policy against weapons.

Are you going to tell me that there are no weapons shown in the history textbooks anymore? How is this photo worse than an image in a historical text showing a warrior in the same garb?

This is an easy win for the ACLU.

Is there a policy that dictates what is proper attire for a yearbook photo? For example is it spelled out that male students must wear a blazer jacket and tie? If yes then this kid violated it and the the Principal wins, if not then it's a slam dunk for the ACLU. But I do think the mother is acting a little irrational in this case. Is this really something to sue over? Is she setting a good example for her son? If you don't agree with something file a law suit? Wake up Mom and be a better parent.

Certainly gives free publicity to the Society for Creative Anachronism.

How about they put a picture of a donkey in place of the medival one, the same point comes across.

We left RI years ago. Our children attend school in a suburb outside of Rochester, NY. Our district had two high schools listed in Newsweek's "Top 100 High Schools" for the last several years. The middle school recently won a national award from the US Department of Education as being a "School to Watch" because of the educational curriculum, music, art and athletic programs available to sixth, seventh and eight grade students. Our high schools' yearbook committees have rules regarding senior graduation pictures. They are only allowed to use photographs by photographers (not personal photos). The student's photograph can be from the chest up only. They dress appropriately, not necessarily in suit and ties, but appropriately for a memorable book that makes you part of something larger than yourself and your mother. Our district suggests that if a family would like a casual photograph of their student, have one taken and display it in your home or your child's baby book. Why should this student and his mother have the right to impact the look of the entire yearbook and ruin the photographs of the senior class? Perhaps the students in Portsmouth should cancel their orders and refuse to financially back its publication.

I just viewed the Yearbook submission. Kudos to you for wanting to be different. I might ask was there any specs given to you before the picture was taken? I ask this because that was the arguement I gave when my senior wanted to put a full body shot black and white photo in SK's 2002 Year Book. My Other Son was lucky he went to Chariho They allowed a Teashirt( Metalica)... sunglass wearing half body pose. Our third chose a sit down eating milk and cookies in a 50's diner to express his School Spirit. This Is known as Creativity!!!