Lookin’ for EVIDENCE

Did Principal Carter have good evidence that band t-shirts will be disruptive? Optional sound effect on this slide—turn your sound up if you want to hear it. Pick apart the following exhibits and witness testimonies. Look for anything that would answer this question “yes” and anything that would answer the question “no.” Think about things that happened as well as things that did not happen.

Exhibit A The Memo TO: Hamilton Middle School Students and Parents FROM: Bob Carter, Principal RE: Hamilton Middle School’s New T-shirt Policy Last year, many teachers saw students arguing about different kinds of music. Most of these arguments were caused by t-shirts that displayed a musical group. A few of the arguments were heated, and one even delayed the start of class until a teacher stepped in to stop the discussion. As a result, students may no longer wear clothing that refers to a musical group. This includes band t-shirts.   The purpose of the new rule is to make sure the learning environment in our schools is safe and effective. We hope the new dress code policy will prevent more serious arguments or fights from breaking out in our schools.

Exhibit A The Memo According to this memo, what evidence did Principal Carter have that band t-shirts caused problems? Did any of the problems disrupt school in any way?

Exhibit B The Letter Home Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brewer, Today Ben came to school wearing a t-shirt showing the musical group “Hall of Rejects.” As you and Ben know, because of problems that began last year, Hamilton Middle School has adopted a new rule banning clothing that refers to musical groups. At lunchtime, a teacher noticed Ben wearing the shirt. The teacher told Ben to either turn his shirt inside-out or put on one of the shirts we keep in the office. However, Ben refused to obey. He insisted he had a right to wear the t-shirt. Because Ben refused to follow the rules, I have placed him on in-school suspension for a week. I hope you will speak with Ben about what happened today and help him make more appropriate decisions about what he wears to school in the future.   Sincerely, Bob Carter Principal, Hamilton Middle School

Exhibit B The Letter Home According to this letter, what evidence did Principal Carter have that band t-shirts caused problems? Does this letter give you any evidence that band t-shirts do not cause problems?

Exhibit C The Intercepted Note Sarah, Your Punk Frogs t-shirt is stupid! Everyone hates Punk Frogs. U better watch out after gym class! Alyssa Does this note give Principal Carter a reason to believe band t-shirts will cause problems?

Witness #1 Tim Hyde, Student Does Tim do anything that would give Principal Carter a reason to believe band t-shirts are disruptive to school? Does Tim do anything that shows band t-shirts are not disruptive?

Kyle Miller, Ben’s Friend Witness #2 Kyle Miller, Ben’s Friend What does Kyle’s testimony show about whether discussions about music always turn into arguments?

Witness #3 Ms. Jones, Math Teacher Does Ms. Jones describe anything that would give Principal Carter a reason to believe band t-shirts cause problems? In what ways does the argument cause disruption in school? In what ways does the argument not cause disruption in school?

Darin Ilijasic, Student Witness #4 Darin Ilijasic, Student Does Darin say anything that supports Principal Carter’s belief that band t-shirts cause problems? Does Darin say anything that shows the band t-shirt was not really causing a problem? Does Darin say anything that shows the band t-shirt did not disrupt class?

Mia Donatella, Former Student Witness #5 Mia Donatella, Former Student Does Mia’s reaction to the argument show anything about whether disagreements about music were really a problem? Does Mia say anything that shows the argument was not disruptive to school?

Lisa Lennox, Former Student Witness #6 Lisa Lennox, Former Student How does Lisa’s testimony show that band t-shirts were not a problem? How does Bobby’s reaction show that disagreements about music could be a problem?

Witness #7 Bob Carter, Principal Does Principal Carter say anything that shows band t-shirts were causing problems? Does Principal Carter say anything that shows the t-shirts were disrupting school? Does he say anything that shows the t-shirts were not disrupting school?