Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Over the top yearbook photo can run
Senior picture originally banned by Amador principal

by Glenn Wohltmann

An Amador Valley High senior will be allowed to have his distinctive photo in the school's yearbook after all.

Amador Principal Jim Hansen originally told Kenton Koos, an 18-year-old independent study student, that he'd violated school policy and the photo wouldn't be allowed.

Although Koos did wear a tuxedo as required, he'd spiked his hair and colored it green. He also painted a tribal tattoo on his face and sported a large nose ring in the shot.

Banning the photo caused a stir and the American Civil Liberties Union nearly got involved, but the district shifted gears almost immediately.

District guidelines allow for photos to be banned if they violate what Odie Douglas, assistant superintendent of educational services, described as "one of the protected classes."

"Something that's racial, something that may have some sexual overtones or profanity, something that may be obscene or project a level of hate, those things would not be allowed," Douglas explained. "His photo did not reflect any of those."

Douglas said Hansen has met with Koos to see whether he still wants his original photo in the yearbook.

"He was given the option to have his picture as it is, if he wants to change it, or if he wants to photoshop it, whatever he decides, that's what it will be," Douglas said.

He said the ACLU did not step in. Neither Koos nor his family could be reached for comment.

Posted by Melanie, a resident of the Pleasanton Heights neighborhood, on May 14, 2013 at 10:35 pm

Why not his mug shot in the yearbook instead. What a punk.

Posted by Steve, a resident of the Stoneridge neighborhood, on May 14, 2013 at 11:42 pm

If it isn't the United Nations coming into our town with blue helmets and bicycles, it's the ACLU trying to turn us all into Mohawk wearing zombies. We're only a breath or two away from being like Communist China.

Posted by Some Dude, a resident of the Beratlis Place neighborhood, on May 15, 2013 at 6:18 am

Why has the editor reposted this December 7 article? Trying to stir things up on the forum now that the special election is over and things have quieted down? For shame!

Posted by nancy s., a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on May 15, 2013 at 7:02 am

I agree with Melanie, use his mugshot. Glenn, how about updating us with what has happened with his case instead of rerunning a 5 month old story. It drives me nuts you guys never follow up on some of the stories you post.

Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore, on May 15, 2013 at 10:19 am

Have a few of the posters forgotten about FREE SPEECH and what it means? duh...

Posted by excon, a resident of Livermore, on May 16, 2013 at 9:20 am

cholo is so right...mugshots are in the public domain and posting them would be considered free speech. Post the mug shots (the punk from Amador, not cholo's).