Peggy Nance Lyle: Kilt a ‘formal dress’

Regarding the May 20 news article “Selma teen in kilt denied entry to prom”: Organizers of the Christian “Praise Prom” in Johnston County (Johnston is a Scot name) may want to consider that North Carolina has more residents of Scottish ancestry than any other state or country in the world – including Scotland.

The kilt was adopted by the Highland Regiment of the British Army and for centuries has been used as formal dress. It seems a lovely and fitting tribute to family heritage to wear the kilt to formal occasions.

The “Praise Prom” organizers stated they “want to keep things about Jesus, and keep things very simple and straightforward.” They should recall that Jesus of Nazareth wore a long tunic held in place with a cord and a cloak that served the purposes of top coat, blanket or bed roll. Jesus did not wear “dress pants.”

Kudos to 16-year-old David Leix for wanting to honor his North Carolina Scottish heritage and working respectfully for common-sense considerations.

This story was originally published May 26, 2015 at 5:40 PM with the headline "Peggy Nance Lyle: Kilt a ‘formal dress’."