Bracelets designed to raise breast cancer awareness have been banned in schools throughout California, Colorado, Idaho, Florida and Wisconsin.
The schools argue that the slogan, “I Love Boobies!” is offensive and rude.
The principal of Baltic High School in South Dakota, Jim Aisenbrey, said, “I do think there are more proper ways to bring this plight to the attention of people and I don’t think this is a proper way.” (Associated Press)
However, founder of the foundation that made the bracelets, Keep a Breast Foundation, Shanney Jo Darden, said, “That’s the whole idea. It’s getting people to talk about breast cancer. The bracelet is doing what it’s meant to do – it’s making people talk.” (Associated Press)
The Keep a Breast Foundation website said, “By wearing a ‘I Love Boobies!’ bracelet or shirt you are proclaiming, ‘I love my boobies, and I choose to take care of them!’ It is a message about how important it is to appreciate, respect and love your breasts and yourself.”
Although some schools find this campaign objectionable, this campaign has earned the foundation many awards such as the Yoplait Champion Award, the “My Space Impact Award” for Health and Safety and the the SIMA Humanitarian Fund Award.
LHS hasn’t banned the wristbands yet, but the issue hasn’t really come up.
Associate Principal Renee Trotier said that although LHS hasn’t banned it, they would have to address the issue further if it became a distraction in the classroom.
