Actually, I thought this thread has been staying pretty much on topic. Like any other discussion, it has poked around at various possible reasons for the rule and some long term implications of it...everything from religious beliefs being a possible background reason to some comparisons of early school influences and even a quick look at BC and how similar situations might be handled.
I think we even managed to avoid a politicial left/right discussion...Overall, I'd give it a possible "8" on a scale of 1-10 for maintaining "topic integrity."
And, I would agree with Van Isle that the parents of the child in question might want to consider simply following the rules, although it sounds as if they're going to go the "get the rules changed" route. Might cost them a bit in legal fees but I guess they think it's worth the time and trouble to do it.
