Mundelein High students wear protest T-shirts despite warnings

Despite threats of suspension or other punishment, dozens of Mundelein High School students wore specially designed T-shirts Wednesday to protest the cancellation of a traditional homecoming week event.

And for the most part, students went about their day without running afoul of the administration.

"They let us into the school with no problem," senior Joanna Rothenberg said. "Most of the seniors who bought the senior shirts are wearing them and there has not been a problem."

The students were protesting the cancellation of Spirit Day, which in past years was held on the Wednesday of homecoming week.

On previous Spirit Days, students wore colored clothing representing their grades. Seniors wore orange, for example, and freshmen wore blue.

But administrators canceled the event because students in prior years damaged school property and other students' clothes with paint. Bullying was reported previously, too, officials said.

The shirts the protesting seniors wore Wednesday bore a picture of an orange on the front and the words "Why so serious? It's just a fruit" on the back.

Administrators knew of the plan and had said any students wearing clothing representing their class colors - even the black T-shirts with the oranges - could be punished, officials said.

But Principal Lauren Fagel said administrators were pleased with how the day went. The staff focused on students "disrupting the educational process," Fagel said.

"We had very few incidents," Fagel said. "The vast majority of Mundelein High School students made sound choices today and we hope they will continue to do so throughout the remainder of homecoming week and the entire school year."

Fagel declined to describe the types of incidents staffers encountered Wednesday and wouldn't say whether any students had been suspended or disciplined.

Aside from those cases, Superintendent Jody Ware said officials were proud of the students.

Homecoming week continues today with an indoor marching band concert and other activities.

A homecoming parade is set for 3:30 p.m. Friday, and the varsity football game begins at 7:30 p.m.

Activities conclude with a dance Saturday night.