Catholic school requires only girls to take no-swearing oath


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

NORTH ARLINGTON, New Jersey — A New Jersey Catholic school has opened a pledge not to swear on school grounds to male students after the school was criticized for what some called a sexist approach to solving the swearing problem.

Girls at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington were asked at the beginning of the month to take an oath not to swear for 30 days — because "we want ladies to act like ladies," according to Lori Flynn, the teacher who launched the campaign.

The principal of the school told The Record girls at the school have the foulest mouths, something the paper pointed out is not supported by general research.

Some of the girls were annoyed at what they saw as a clear double standard, but others were excited to take part.

The pledge:
"I do solemnly promise not to use profanities of any kind within the walls and properties of Queen of Peace High School. In other words, I swear not to swear. So help me God."

Credit: ABC News

"(Swearing is) part of everyone's vocabulary but it doesn't make you look educated," said Kathleen McLaren, 17.

Teachers at the school said they hoped the girls' behavior would rub off on boys' bad habits, but after media attention and online comments criticizing the campaign as sexist, the school opened up the pledge to boys who may have been interested.

"It is really ridiculous that only the girls are asked to take the pledge," said one comment on the original story. "How is it any more acceptable for boys to use foul language?"

A spokesman for the school would not say how many male students took part in the pledge. Reporters were allowed to attend the girls' ceremony, but the school would not allow media at the boys' ceremony.

Top photo credit: ABC News

Related links

Related stories

Most recent Features stories

Stephanie Grimes

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast