High school students fight to wear vagina buttons

By David Pescovitz at 9:57 am Friday, Apr 22

Students at Winona Senior High School in Minnesota are fighting for their right to wear souvenir buttons from The Vagina Monologues emblazoned with "I (HEART) My Vagina." The principal believes the buttons are against school policy. From the Winona Daily News:

A month after she began donning the button, (Carrie) Rethlefsen was told to take it off. But Rethlefsen considers the button a matter of free speech. "I think you need to be bold for things to change," she said. "I'm wearing this to support sexual awareness, gender equality, women's rights and freedom of speech."

While Rethlefsen views the button simply as having a pro-woman message, (princiapl Nancy) Wondrasch said others could have other interpretations.

"I believe in freedom of speech, and I believe in women's rights," Wondrasch said. "But I also believe this could be construed as offensive or harassment."

The principal said some staff view the button as offensive, but not because they are ashamed of talking about vaginas. One female employee told her she doesn't want women being heralded for their sexual parts, but their strong mind and good hearts.

Too many women are ashamed to talk about their sexuality, Rethlefsen said.

Link (via Fark)

Carrie Rethlefsen has also posted a few entries about the situation on a LiveJournal. Link (via MetaFilter)