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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.
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
