‘I [heart] Boobies’ cancer bracelets cause mayhem in US schools

WASHINGTON - One-inch thick rubber bracelets, saying “I [heart] Boobies”, have caused quite a stir in schools across the US, despite the positive message its wearers believe it sends.

The bracelets are part of a nationwide campaign launched several months ago to make young people more aware of breast cancer.

The Clovis Unified School District in central California is one of the latest to ban the bracelets.

District spokeswoman Kelly Avants said that the bracelets violate the school’s dress code.

“We have an existing dress code that specifically states clothing, jewelry or accessories with sexually suggestive language or images is not allowed at school,” ABC News quoted Avants as saying.

A number of other school districts require students to flip the bracelets inside out so the word “boobies” is not visible.

Despite some schools’ cracking down on the bracelets, students have been vocal about the novelty items on blogs and other sites such as Facebook, saying they want to wear them in support of what they believe is a good cause.

Parents’ opinions are mixed, judging by postings on a variety of parenting blogs.

Keep A Breast, the nonprofit organization that’s running the bracelet campaign, said it’s geared toward young people, to raise awareness about the disease and educate them about breast health.

In addition to bracelets, there are “I [heart] Boobies T-shirts.

“The T-shirts and bracelets act as an awareness-raising tool, allowing young people to engage and start talking about s subject that is scary and taboo,” said Kimmy McAtee, a spokeswoman for Keep A Breast.

She also said the organization has other apparel and accessory options for anyone who doesn’t like the term “boobies.”

On the other hand, the Fresno Unified School District, also in central California, does allow students to wear the bracelets. (ANI)