Oshawa high school calls “I love boobies” breast cancer bracelets inappropriate

<p>OSHAWA, Ont. – Students at an Oshawa high school have been asked to remove breast cancer awareness bracelets proclaiming their love for “boobies.”</p> <p>The Durham District School Board says the wording on the bracelets – which spells out “I love boobies” – is inappropriate for school.</p> <p>As a result, students at R.S. McLaughlin Collegiate have been asked not to wear the wristbands.</p> <p>At Sinclair Secondary School in Whitby and O’Neill Collegiate in Oshawa, students have been asked to remove or cover up T-shirts with the same slogan.</p> <p>The accessories are part of a fundraising campaign for the American-based Keep A Breast Foundation. The charity’s website says it aims to make young people more aware of breast cancer detection by using language that speaks to them directly.</p> <p>The bracelets have grabbed headlines in the United States, where they have been banned in several schools.</p> <p>Last month, a federal court in Pennsylvania ruled that banning the bracelets was a violation of students’ right to free speech.</p> <p>Kimmy McAtee, a spokesperson for the foundation, says she’s pleased to see how students and their parents have rallied behind the campaign.</p> <p>”Many schools have overturned bans on the bracelets after students and parents explained how Keep A Breast resonates with them,” McAtee wrote in an email.</p> <p>Board spokeswoman Andrea Pidwerbecki says the Oshawa school will be inviting its students to participate in a campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer.</p> <p>”The issue at hand is one we work with every day – to ensure students wear appropriate dress – including slogans,” Pidwerbecki said. “The board and its schools supports the worthy cause and our schools have raised thousands of dollars to support those affected by breast and other cancers.”</p>