PARENTS PUSH PROTEST OF URBAN OUTFITTERS

Troy Community Coalition says items with sex, drug themes are not
suitable for teenagers.

TROY -- A group of Troy parents is calling for a boycott of recently
opened mall clothier Urban Outfitters, saying the business sells
products to teenagers that glamorize drinking, drugs and sex.

Ann Comiskey, of the Troy Community Coalition, said the word is being
spread between Troy parents, teachers and others not to support Urban
Outfitters at the Somerset Collection North.

"Two weeks ago, a parent called and asked me to stop by there,and I
was quite surprised," Comiskey said. "There were sexually explicit
books out in the middle of the store, along with about four books on
ways to grow marijuana.

"I guess they're trying to be edgy and to appeal to the 16- to
25-year-old crowd, along with the grunge clothes," Comiskey said.
"But this is not the type of business we want in Troy. We want them
to clean up their act if they plan to do business here."

Formal complaints have been made to the Troy police about the books,
flasks and drinking and sex board games on the shelves. But residents
were advised the store is operating within the law. A visit last week
found some of the mentioned books and games.

"They may not be doing anything illegal, but it's not right," said
Liz Fallert, 46, of Birmingham.

"I was glad to see they removed a book that had explicit photos and
drawings of sexual positions," said Fallert, who had initially gone
to the store to purchase "Kosherland," a Jewish spoof to the
traditional "Candyland" board game.

A manager Friday referred all questions to Urban Outfitters corporate
offices, which did not return telephone calls. Comiskey said the
Somerset store manager told her he was not authorized to remove
stocked items planned for sale. Urban Outfitters has 85 stores across
North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

"I will be writing to the corporate offices, and if necessary may be
planning something else, including a public protest," Comiskey said.

Mary Beth Halushka, vice president of the Troy school board, said she
was "appalled" by items she saw for sale in the store, like pink flasks.

Renee Michalak, who heads a Troy parents' group called Safe Homes,
which educates parents on how to provide a safe, substance-free
environment, was upset after a friend told her about cookie cutters
shaped like marijuana leaves and people in sexual positions.