Board Votes Against Bloomer Student's Request

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Board Votes Against Bloomer Student's Request

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Posted: 11:00 PM May 12, 2008
Last Updated: 11:51 AM May 13, 2008

36 comments

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A new Marine who's graduating from Bloomer High School will not be able to wear his dress blues uniform at graduation.

Monday night, the Bloomer School Board rejected his request to wear his dress blues uniform. Daniel Lingen will have completed boot camp at the San Diego Marine Corps Recruiting Depot by graduation on May 31st.

The board adopted a policy that requires a cap and gown only for the ceremony. There was a motion to allow an exception for military personnel, but when no one seconded that motion, the board moved forward. One board member says it's not an attempt to be unpatriotic, but the cap and gown celebrates education. Lingen's father says he's appalled.

The board also adopted a policy that bans noisemakers and cowbells as students are accepting their diplomas on stage.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Charles Lingen Location: Eau Claire on Jun 1, 2008 at 09:36 AM
To the comments made by "bloomer", I apologize for leaving you out of my last post of armchair quarterbacks hiding behind an anonymous handle sitting in front of your computer monitor. Did I see you at any of the school board meetings? I didn't think so....

Posted by: bloomer Location: bloomer on Jun 1, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Mr. Lingen there is no need to insult other people's intelligence, since you are like a pot calling the kettle black!

Posted by: Charles Lingen Location: Eau Claire on May 31, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Thank you "Speaking Softly" for your comments. "Bloomerite" not that it is any of your business or a need to explain it to you, but I had a prior commitment. Why don't step out from behind that handle "Bloomerite" of yours, that goes for the comments of "father" as well. Your poison pen potshots here and on the Chippewa Herald's website demonstrates your ignorance and cowardice. It's easy to be an armchair quarterback sitting in front of your computer monitor. I didn't see you at the school board meetings did I? I'd love to tell you what the BHS administration and school board didn't disclose to the press regarding the decision process, but you probably wouldn't comprehend that either. Just remember to leave your cowbells and noisemakers at home as there is a policy against that now.

Posted by: Craig Location: Bloomer, WI on May 30, 2008 at 05:25 PM
I look forward to Saturday. I will be at the Bloomer Bowl to support our people in uniform. Thank you for hosting this event and taking a stand. I will stand with you!

Posted by: Bloomerite on May 30, 2008 at 03:40 PM
At the Bloomer High School Senior Banquet to recongize scholarships and awards, Daniel showed up with his mother and step-father. Where was his Dad now!!

Posted by: Speaking Softly Location: Eau Claire, WI on May 29, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Any "father" who doesn't come to his son's defense is WEAK--especially when trying to fulfill his son's wishes. Charles Lingen, "Father" is merely doing what any GOOD father would do by working to see his son's request brought to fruition. 6:30 PM at BLOOMER BOWL--VIP'S, VETERANS, a limo with camera crews, all sorts of stuff will be happening. Bloomer School Board tried to dismiss this issue silently in the night but WE THE PEOPLE will defend our ARMY, NAVY, MARINE CORPS, AIR FORCES and COAST GUARD. To all who have been slamming "father" this is going to be a black eye for your sake. Pop-shots at POP looking after his pup are childish and weak. P.S. Ricard Lacey approves of this message and will stand behind it. PPS BRING YOUR COW BELLS! As for me and my kids--we will not let a stupid policy of a few "elected" dictate! Did you know the board is non-prior service, except for 1 who tried to allow Daniel to walk in Blues? Don't try to keep our military down!

Posted by: father on May 27, 2008 at 02:50 PM
I'm glad to hear that Dan's father was not the person organizing veterans. It is very kind of him to let things rest now.

Posted by: John Location: CF on May 27, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Honestly, I can't believe that Cow-Bells would be allowed to a ceremony like this anyway!

Posted by: charlie Location: lodi on May 27, 2008 at 06:54 AM
Rightly put Jane! Why are so many of you juming the dad , he is only a proud father wanting what he feels is the best for his son! We had a Marine grad here in Lodi {in dress blues][ HE GOT A STANDING OVATION!!]Whats wrong with that! the dad did not start this war!! The school board did,,is this Bloomer or Berkley I forget???

Posted by: Charles Lingen Location: Eau Claire, WI on May 27, 2008 at 03:04 AM
"father", when I was informed me of your ignorant remarks, I was going to ignore them until I found out just misinformed that you are. First of all, I'm not gathering veterans, contact former Senator Zien for that. He organizing that. Regarding a commotion, I think the BHS administration and the school board has done an excellent job of that themselves. Since the school board has rammed this policy down everybody's throat, we have to live with it. I think it's ridiculous but if you don't like it, then recall the school board. If my son decides to participate, I've told him he will comply 100% with the policy or not participate. Now, "father" on the other hand, as the policy states no noisemakers, please leave your cowbells at home, as I want to enjoy my son's graduation no matter how much the school board wrecked it for everyone. But I do expect the school board to enforce the "no noisemaker" policy as well. Don't hold me responsible for anything, hold the school board for it.

Posted by: Friend of Daniel's father Location: Bloomer on May 27, 2008 at 02:24 AM
Charles isn't organizing anything. The veterans are doing this all on their own. What's he going to do? These veterans are mighty upset, but you might not understand if not a vet. To "father", you're pointing the finger at the wrong person, point it at the School Board and BHS Administration. Go whine to the School Board and Administration and not Charles. Charles has talked to Daniel, and it's Daniel's decision. If he participates, Daniel will comply with dress to the letter, he stated. Furthermore, "father" he finds your comments comical. Daniel's dad told me that Daniel simply wanted to wear it because he earned the right to wear it. Daniel's dad simply stood behind his son's wishes as any parent would do. Here's a bombshell for you "father", Daniel's dad showed me an email where the board would have let Daniel wear the uniform if the Amer. Legion or Marines would have said yes, but they couldn't as that would be dictating public policy which they can't do.

Posted by: father Location: bloomer on May 25, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Now we hear that Charles Lingen is trying to gather all the retired military people before graduation. This Lingen guy is nothing but trouble. I will tell you that Dan's fellow students and their parents have heard about enough out of Charles regarding this! If Charles or his actions create commotion during graduation, the other students and their parents are going to not be happy. We hold Charles responsible for anything that distracts from the honor and respect that all of the other students and their families deserve.

Posted by: thanks Location: bloomer on May 23, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Thanks for clearing it up Sarah and explaining where this all started. The community has much respect for Dan and what he has done. Hopefully Charles can let things rest from here on out, comply with the rules, and give the rest of Dan's class the respect that they deserve too.

Posted by: Sarah on May 23, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I am the sister of Daniel Lingen. I believe you should all know that it wasn't my brother taking it this far. This has been a battle that my father, Charles Lingen, has been trying to fight. My brother was just made aware of all the media attention after his Marine graduation today. I hope that all of you respect him for being a Marine and understand that my brother had no intention of all of this happening, because my brother had no idea and my dad was the one going to the news.

Posted by: bloomer Location: bloomer on May 23, 2008 at 12:06 PM
To Fall Creek, Neillsville, and people from other communities. Why don't you go to your local school board and request a change in their policy regarding this same subject so you can bad mouth your own community! I know of no public school in the country that would allow a military uniform to be worn to graduation. For those of us that were in the military, we know about the "uniform of the day", but for others, the uniform of the day at the high school graduation is a cap and gown. Thank you.

Posted by: angry Location: chippewa on May 22, 2008 at 02:44 PM
I disagree with what the school board has made a policy. A U.S. soldier should be able to wear his uniform or dress uniform at a graduation. He isn't trying to make himself look better than his classmates. He is just a Marine wanting to wear his dress blues. I say let him!

Posted by: Kimberly Location: USN on May 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
This is not an issue of respect or of conformity. The School Board has painted itself into a very tight corner. In accordance with policy no tassles for National Honors Society, no vestments for salutatorian or valedictorian, and no jewelry should be allowed. If they are not willing to extend the policy to its limits it simply shed light on their motivation- they are reacting like petulant children. The prinicpal got his feelings hurt when the family went over his head and now he and the Superintendent have made it official. BTW Jim- JROTC is an admirable after-school activity but it in no way is comparable to the uniform that the men and women of the armed services have earned the right to wear. I'm certain that Daniel will do the right thing and wear a cap and gown so the event remains focused on the graduating seniors, but shame on Bloomer School Board for picking a fight easily avoided.-Active Duty Navy Married to Army Soldier

Posted by: Jim Location: United States Navy, Retired on May 14, 2008 at 03:43 PM
I have the utmost respect for Daniel Lingen, but think he should let it go at this point. He made his request. Request was denied. Cap and gown is considered "Uniform of the Day" for a high school graduation, so that is what the Marine should wear. I was in USMC JROTC while in high school, but wore cap and gown to my graduation. I am retired from the military at this point and have two sons on active duty (1 USN/1 USMC), so I am not against the military.

Posted by: Steph Location: Menomonie on May 13, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I'm sorry but I have to agree with the school board. Everyone has to wear the cap and gown for graduation - I'm proud of Daniel and his accomplishments but like stated already it's his highschool graduation. At first I thought the school board was wrong in their decision.. but they make a point. The whole idea behind the cap and gown is to make everyone look the same..

Posted by: Chevy head Location: Northland on May 13, 2008 at 03:19 PM
If you live in the school district than don't wine I have only sean five people show up to voice their opinion on this.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Eau Claire on May 13, 2008 at 01:43 PM
I'll probably get bashed for this, but here it goes. I think the decision made is valid. This ceremony is to recognize the student’s education, nothing more. Daniel should wear his uniform proudly, but I don’t think it needs to be at his graduation ceremony. My son is already a Marine “Poolee”, and heads to boot camp after his graduation this spring. I am very proud of my son for this commitment, so don’t think I’m not patriot or against the military or belittling Daniels achievement. But his graduation ceremony is to celebrate his High School Graduation.

Posted by: Pam Location: Barron on May 13, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I feel that the Bloomer School Board, is wrong in voting against Daniel Lingen's wearing his dress blues for graduation. This young man has already accomplished more than a lot of the students graduating from high school. I feel that the Bloomer School Board is being unpatriotic in denying this request. Congratulation's to Daniel, I feel bad though that school doesn't want to recognize your great accomplishments. I wish you well in life Daniel.

Posted by: Tammy Location: Wisconsin on May 13, 2008 at 01:02 PM
When I heard this on the radio this morning, I couldn't believe it! I called WAXX and voice my opinion, but I feel compelled to respond here as well. I think the Marine Corp should over rule the school board allowing the young man to wear his uniform, which just happens to be a government regulation. I don't think the board realizes what they are doing. If they truly want to follow through on this ridiculous policy they have created, that would mean no honor cords or collars, no Valedictorian or Salutatorian, no scholarship awards, etc. I think graduation is about celebrating the accomplishments one has received throughout their high school years in preparing for their future. This is definitely an accomplishment that should be celebrated!!!! The board needs to rethink their decision!!!!!!

Posted by: Audrey Location: Manawa, WI on May 13, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Sad, sad, sad. Wearing a mililtary uniform is not a personal statement about whether we agree with the current war or not; and it certainly isn't a statement AGAINST education. Education is about equipping the students to make good life choices and this young man chose honorably. I'm sorry the Board chose not to support that.

Posted by: Daniel's father Location: Eau Claire, WI on May 13, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Yes, I am appalled. Daniels request was simple. Daniel simply wanted to walk across the stage in his Marine dress blues to accept his diploma. Ok, Superintendent Doug Martin and the Bloomer School Board said "No". In my opinion, Superintendent Doug Martin and the Bloomer School Board used my son's request as an excuse to now implement a policy that doesn't allow the students to put anything on their caps & gowns, but is also going to tell the parents of the B.H.S. graduating seniors not to use noisemakers or cowbells. The parents of Bloomer graduating seniors should be getting that policy in the mail to you very soon. To the parents of Bloomer graduating seniors, if you and child don't like the new policy, please don't whine to me about it. Whine to Superintendent Doug Martin and the Bloomer School Board, as they did this without any input from the parents.

Posted by: James Location: Neillsville on May 13, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Doesn't the school board represent the community? They do at least work for them. What does Bloomer have to say about this? Does bloomer not support the Military?

Posted by: Faye Location: Fall Creek on May 13, 2008 at 10:21 AM
If we cannot give our Military the recognition that they so rightfully deserve then that is a darn shame. The Bloomer School Board's true colors are showing. Listen up, Bloomer, this is not about whether you like President Bush or not, this is about a young man willing to serve his country. What a wonderful thing that would have been to see on his Graduation Day.

Posted by: Mike Location: Appleton on May 13, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Bunch of Morons on that school board.

Posted by: Deb Location: Wisconsin on May 13, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I'm appalled as well. Shame on the Bloomer School Board!

Posted by: phyllis Location: menomonie on May 13, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I too am appalled that the Bloomer school board made the decision against the young Marine - especially based on the fact 'no one second the motion' - wake up people - i certainly hope the young man gets more support when he is off protecting your freedom to be indifferent. I for one will be praying for him, all our Military AND the school board members who seem to have so much control over our children.

Posted by: Cynthia Location: Eau Claire on May 13, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Unbelievable. Let's see if a time comes when there is a request from a student who is possibly from another country, an Indian, etc. and they want to wear something native to their country...they had better get the same NO. Good grief, this is a young man willing to give up the comforts of the USA and serve his country. This is completely different from just wanting to change the dress code.

Posted by: Rory Schutte Location: Altoona on May 13, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I want to have the information on the teen that can not waer his military dress uniform.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Don't you have spell check?

Posted by: Linda Location: Neillsville on May 13, 2008 at 07:48 AM
I think not letting him wear his uniform is wrong!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jane Location: Neillsville on May 13, 2008 at 03:48 AM
Leave it to educated idiots to come up with this. The very people who protect us and our country are banned from being recognized. And they say they are tolerant? Tolerant of what? Stupidity??

Posted by: Chad Fleming Location: BLOOMER on May 13, 2008 at 12:09 AM
I think that this is not about Dan it is about acheivment and how the school up here does not want to single out one person's acheivments that they have made over the other's in his/ hers class. So with that being said I guess that they won't have any honor students, No validictorians of any sort.