Nick Morgan is a 15-year-old freshman in South Glens Falls, New York. He has an aunt with breast cancer and another aunt who died from the disease. Consequently, Nick supports Breast Cancer Awareness. He wears a bracelet that says “I (heart) boobies (Keep A Breast)”
In March, 2010, his science teacher took offense at the message and told him to remove it. He explained to her why he wore it and agreed to turn it inside out. She disapproved and sent Nick to an alternative class for the rest of the period.
Nick continued to wear the bracelet to school and on the third day was given detention for being insubordinate in not removing it. His mother disagreed with the school’s response and wouldn’t let Nick serve the detention.
Nick and his mother discussed the situation with the school superintendent who agreed to waive the detention; however, the principal stated that it is prohibited for Nick and any student to wear the bracelet.* They have a meeting scheduled with the district officials on March 24th to further discuss this issue and Nick’s First Amendment right to continue wearing the bracelet.
When asked why wearing the bracelet is important to him, Nick said the following:
“Breast cancer awareness is very important to me beacuse when I was young, probably 4 or 5, I lost my great Aunt to breast cancer. That was hard, I was small but I knew and loved Aunt Mary and then she was gone. I did not know at the time what happened or why she was gone and I did not even know what cancer was! A short time later another great aunt on Mom’s side was diagnosed and has been battling it ever since. She can never make her three year mark but she keeps fighting…. really hard! I knew about the “keep a breast” bracelet because I heard about the program from some friends. I saw a bracelet while shopping with my Mom I wanted to get one. She had a few questions at first but I explained the program to her and I got one! Most of the cost of the bracelet goes to support breast cancer awareness among kids my age. I like that I am helping support cancer awareness because I have a Grandmother, a Mom, a Sister, two cousins… and breast cancer affects men and boys as well and anything we can do to prtotect ourselves and learn about cancer is good. I am still wearing my bracelet because this is my small part I can do. People are talking now about breast cancer, whether they agree with “I (heart) boobies” or Live strong… they are talking and sales are up (according to the zumiez in my mall) and that is never bad! I am proud of myself and I will always stand up for breast cancer whether I get a detention or not.”
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Nick!
Are you offended by the bracelet’s message? Even if you are offended, do you believe Nick should be allowed to wear the bracelet based on freedom of speech? Do the words carry a double meaning that may be seen as inappropriate? What else could you do at school to raise awareness about breast cancer or any other cause that you support?
*The video below states that Nick is allowed to continue wearing the bracelet to school which is what the school superintendent originally said. However, since then the principal has stated that they are forbidden.
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Nick is a spoiled kid who probably has never been told no by his mom. He says” I will wear it even if I get detention” but he doesn’t get detention does he? no because mommy is there to get him out of it.
There are plenty of ways to support breast cancer….
If the school says you can’t wear the bracelet then don’t wear it. Get a different type of bracelet if you want. If the school says you can’t wear something that is controversial then don’t wear it.
I think mommy and Nick want attention in their pathetic lives and have decided to make an issue of something that should not be a problem.
Dear Come on now: Thanks for your thoughts. Loss often evokes strong support and implementation of causes – the adage about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes comes to mind.
I find the whole thing ridiculous. This kid has a heart and a mind of his own. A SCIENCE teacher finding this offensive? Did she get her degree at Regent University? I am sure all science there is done in the dark. I applaud this young man for trying to bring awareness to his peers – who may lose Moms and sisters.
Over reacting puritans!!!
I am wondering if Nick was a Nicole, Would we of even heard about this,, and yes as a young boy wearing a I (heart) Boobs braclet it could be taken either way, I support what he is doing and fighting for his right to wear a braclet that has meaning to him, atleast it isn’t those colored jelly braclets that every color has a sexual meaning.
Give the kid a break!!!!
Dear Steph: Thanks for your input. Good point.
im 13 years old and go to queensbury and were i love boobie braclet to and my gym teacher tells me to turn it over and yells at me if i dont and she says she will send me to the princilbes and she never does and i never turn it over
Dear Kaleena: It might be helpful if you tell your parents what is happening so they can speak with your gym teacher and the principal. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].
I think kids should wear something that does not detract from the learning environment of the school. Let’s face it, boys and girls are likely to giggle about “boobies” or crack jokes or check to see if anybody notices that they are being edgy by wearing the bracelet. That’s a distraction from the classroom learning environment. If they care about breast cancer, they can wear an ribbon or something during school, and wear the bracelet after school, if their parents approve.
Thanks, Karen, for your comment.
i will weare my braclet bc i am a female and obvasly i am not waering it to be rounchy. I am not sure about males but I do tink that we shoild b able to comtinul wearing these until a male OR female students does make an unnesseary commet or rude gester about theese bracletrs
-Hadyn child♥
Thanks Hadyn for your comment.