University Of Michigan Responds To OKCPS Dress Code Flap

Wednesday, August 22nd 2012, 7:36 pm

By: Karl Torp

The 5-year old Oklahoma City kindergartner asked to turn his University of Michigan T-shirt inside out will become a bigger cult hero in Wolverine country.

His story continues to spread across the country and now the University of Michigan is helping him out.

"The picture of me is all over the world," says 5-year-old Cooper Barton.

Last week, Cooper was told his Michigan T-shirt violated the Oklahoma City Public Schools' dress code policy.

8/20/2012 Related Story: OKCPS Reviews Dress Code After Student Asked To Change T-Shirt

The policy was developed in 2005 with the help of an Anti-Gang Task Force.

It only allows students to wear college gear from Oklahoma Universities.

Even apparel from pro teams is banned. So Oklahoma City Thunder clothes can't be worn at Oklahoma City Public Schools.

The district admits the policy may be outdated and will review the rule at their Sept 10 meeting. Meanwhile, Michigan fans from around the country plan to send the Bartons more Michigan gear.

On Wednesday, David Brandon, the Athletic Director at the University of Michigan personally invited the Bartons to a football game at "the Big House" in Ann Arbor.

Brandon says Cooper will be introduced to the crowd at the game. The school even made Cooper a special T-shirt with U of M logos on the outside and inside, just in case he's asked to reverse his shirt again.

"I never thought in a million years it would come to this. We are thrilled for the support," says Cooper's dad Chris Barton.

"Even the Ohio State fans, if you can believe that, have been supportive and sent us nice messages," says Cooper's mom Shannon Barton.